The FSA is concerned that the proposed Policing bill could threaten matchday routine.
This from the FSA:
There’s been a lot of talk recently about the controversial
Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill currently making its way
through Parliament – and this week FSA caseworker Amanda Jacks has been
looking at its potential impact on match-going fans.
With
help from civil liberties campaigners and Lochlinn Parker from ITN
Solicitors, Amanda has been looking at how the Bill in its current
iteration could see traditional supporter behaviour - such as
congregating outside grounds, pubs or town centres - curtailed by new
police powers.
"Much of the coverage has talked about how the
Bill, in its current form, will have a hugely negative impact on
protest," Amanda said.
"But why are we concerned about it? Well,
obviously football fans protest as well, but they congregate in other
ways too and unless the Bill is redrafted then we can see how easily the
legislation will be used against fans on a match day."
The FSA
will submitting evidence soon to the Joint Committee on Human Rights and
if there is anything you think we should consider including please do
get in touch with us.