Hull fans plead for ‘sensible policing’ at Lokeren clash

A HULL supporters’ group has called for the Europa League play-off clash with Lokeren to be “policed sensibly” after some Tigers fans experienced disturbances in the first leg.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Aug 2014, 12:55 BST
A banner at the first leg matchA banner at the first leg match
A banner at the first leg match

City Till We Die has issued an open statement aimed at Humberside Police appealing for a measured response to their handling of the play-off second leg at the KC Stadium.

The statement comes after some Tigers fans were struck by bottles as they were herded past a pub by local police following the 1-0 defeat in Lokeren.

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Despite three Hull fans out of around 1,000 being arrested during the trip, two for being drunk and disorderly and one for criminal damage, relations between followers of the teams were largely amicable.

It is believed the Lokeren contingent who threw bottles were known trouble-makers and are unlikely to travel to East Yorkshire.

A Humberside Police statement issued after the first match promised “the disorder witnessed will be taken into account as the return leg approaches and we will police the match accordingly”.

But CTWD hope the atmosphere is not oppressive.

Its release read: “City Till We Die ask that the Europa League Play-off round game between Hull City and Lokeren on Thursday is policed sensibly.

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“We were appalled by reports of Hull City fans, many of whom were CTWD members, being herded by Belgian Police past a pub containing people who were banned from attending the game, with some fans suffering minor injuries as bottles and glasses were thrown.

“Hull City fans found the vast majority of Lokeren fans to be hospitable and friendly and insist that the incident did not detract from the otherwise excellent experience.

“We would therefore ask that the innocent Lokeren fans who will be travelling to the city for the return game are welcomed with the same level of hospitality as Hull City fans enjoyed in Belgium. The mistakes made by the Belgian police should not be repeated by our local force and Lokeren fans should not have their experience of football in this country soured by heavy-handed policing.”

CTWD has also requested fan representation on Hull’s safety advisory group, which currently includes members of the club, the stadium, the council and police.

Related topics:HullTigersEuropa LeagueHumberside Police