Football fans urged to ‘Know the Game Plan’ as new season gets underway

As the football season gets back underway police are urging football fans to report any security concerns at matches.

The call was issued ahead of the start of the Premier League season on Friday night.

Officers have been working with the Premier League, English Football League (EFL) and individual clubs to enhance measures designed to keep supporters safe, and to raise awareness of the threat from terrorism among club employees and supporters.

While there is no specific threat to football grounds, the project is part of a wider police plan to work more closely with different sectors such as retail, hospitality and entertainment to help protect the public.

Other sports such as rugby, tennis and cricket have also been supporting the ‘Know The Game Plan’ initiative, while former England internationals Alan Shearer, David Seaman and Paul Parker took part in a police Twitter campaign during the recent World Cup.

Nearly a quarter of a million sports event stewards have been issued with a short guide giving key advice to help protect crowds of spectators.

National police coordinator for protective security, Chief Superintendent Nick Aldworth says:

“The chance of being caught up in a terrorist attack is low but we want the public to feel confident to come forward and report any concerns if they see something suspicious to match-day staff or police.

“Earlier this year Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu called upon every citizen to be a ‘Counter Terror Citizen’, and this is a continuation of that.

“Fans can all play a role in a successful security operation and the more clubs encourage supporters to do this, the more likely they are to act on their instincts and not worry they might be mistaken or wasting time.

“Most concerns will turn out to be nothing and that’s absolutely fine. It’s far better to say something than risk an important piece of information being missed.

“Our mantra is Action Counters Terrorism. If you see something, don’t hesitate to ACT.”

Bob Eastwood, Security and Operations Advisor for the EFL adds:

“Getting supporters to think about security is just part of the work football has been doing in partnership with the police.

“Over the last 12 months we have held many events all over the country so counter terrorism officers and stadium security managers can share their knowledge and do all we can to stay a step ahead.

“The safety of all fans is football’s number one priority and we all have a role to play in doing everything we can to keep each other safe – police, officials and supporters.”

The key ‘Know the game plan’ advice all fans are asked to follow is:

*   Arrive early, allowing more time for security checks

*   Minimise what you carry, fewer bag searches will speed up entry to the ground

*   Be vigilant at all times and if you see anything suspicious, tell a steward right away

*   If you see anything that could pose an immediate threat to safety, call 999

*   In an emergency, listen to the Public Address instructions and follow them

*   If told to evacuate, do so immediately, do not wait around to film events on your mobile

*   Move right away from the stadium as quickly as possible for your safety and to allow clear access for any emergency vehicles

*   Once you are safe, follow the local police force on Twitter for updates

To find out more, visit gov.uk/ACTor @TerrorismPolice