Soccer proposal rejected

Press, 5 July 1985, Page 7

Soccer proposal rejected

NZPA-AFP London English soccer has rejected one of Margaret Thatcher’s schemes to combat hooliganism. The chairmen of English Football League clubs rejected the Prime Minister’s plan for a national membership card scheme. “It can’t be done,” said the league’s secretary, Mr Graham Kelly. “The chairmen felt very strongly that the idea is being supported by people who do not go to football matches, have never been on a regular .basis, and do not have the inclination to go at the present time.” The idea was for every fan to be issued with an identity-card, which could be used to trace troublemakers. Instead, the chairmen agreed to back individual club schemes and to put forward a 10-point survival plan to the Government. This includes demands for a tax reduction in revenue from the pools-betting companies to help with the cost of ground improvements, cash for more police at grounds, heavier sentences for hooligans, and exemption from the Alcohol Bill for executive boxes and viewing restaurants. On this last point, the Government is asking Parliament to ban drinking at every ground, allowing the sale of alcohol only at board-room bars, and at the discretion of the police. This would prove to be a big blow for clubs,