Crowd control compromise

Press, 26 February 1987, Page 33

Crowd control compromise

NZPA-Reuter London English soccer has taken a first step towards a widespread national membership scheme with league officials by reaching a long-awaited compromise agreement with the British Government. The Government, committed to eradicating soccer hooliganism, had pressed for the introduction of a total mem-bers-only scheme for the entire league, but settled for the introduction of membership schemes covering 50 per cent of the spectator capacity at all Football League club grounds. But league president Philip

Carter, who is also chairman of first division leaders Everton, warned that many clubs would face severe difficulties in implementing the scheme and relocating large numbers of regular fans. "It will mean a large degree of relocation and it will be a big problem for some clubs,” he said. “But we are committed to the principle of working towards 50 per cent membership for grounds.” An independent committee will advise those who encounter problems and administer disciplinary action to any club which fails to follow the recommendations of the committee.