Wolves 1877 Trust calls for engagement ahead of Black Country derby
Wolves 1877 Trust is represented within the West Midlands Police Football Advisory Group. Given the significance of the forthcoming Wolves v West Bromwich Albion fixture at Molineux, and the public statements about preparations being made, the Trust is concerned that it has had no contact from West Midlands Police regarding the match.
In a statement issued in advance of the fixture, West Midlands Police Superintendent Tim Robinson said:
“This will be the first Black Country derby which fans have been able to attend at Molineux for many years and we know how much supporters will be looking forward to the fixture.
‘’We are already working with our partners in preparing our plans for the day, with the focus on ensuring everyone can safely enjoy the occasion.
‘’We are experienced in policing derby matches in this region and we'll make sure we have sufficient resources in place on the day to provide a visible presence and respond to any issues.”
The Trust welcomes the commitment to ensuring that the fixture can be safely enjoyed by all supporters. However, given the Trust's role within the West Midlands Police Football Advisory Group, we would also welcome direct engagement with Superintendent Robinson, or the appropriate member of the Football Unit, and clarification as to how supporter representation and engagement will operate in advance of the fixture.
Keith Bickley, Chair of the Trust, says that it’s essential that fans are consulted when it comes to arrangements that concern them for major matches like this.
“We would welcome direct engagement with Superintendent Tim Robinson or the appropriate member of the Football Unit, and clarification as to how supporter representation and engagement will operate in advance of the fixture. This is a big fixture for both sets of fans, and they want to be confident arrangements are in place for the safety of all attending’’
Questions for Superintendent Tim Robinson
1. If West Midlands Police recognises the Trust as part of its supporter-advisory arrangements, why has the Trust not been contacted regarding the first fully attended Black Country derby at Molineux for many years?
2. What engagement has taken place with supporter representatives through your consultation with ‘partners’ in advance of this derby?
3. What is the process for engaging with supporters ahead of future high-risk fixtures?
4. What are the Terms of Reference and membership of the West Midlands Police Football Advisory Group and why has it not been consulted in regards to this match?
The Trust has already set out its position on the importance of supporter representation within the Molineux Stadium Safety Advisory Group.
https://www.wolves1877trust.co.uk/news/trust-applies-for-supporter-representation-on-the-mssag
The Trust's position is rooted in the recommendations arising from the Hillsborough disaster and the Football Supporters' Association's ongoing campaign for appropriate and meaningful supporter representation on local Safety Advisory Groups.
The Trust believes that supporters should be properly represented and engaged in discussions relating to safety, security and the matchday experience. Major fixtures, particularly those with heightened security and policing arrangements, provide an important opportunity for that engagement to take place.