Cheltenham stewards
 

From what I saw our policing was terrible your fans did what we did with a crowd surf with the flag, there was no need on them doing what they did. I hope the man what got hurt makes a quick recovery. Our stewards are crap and your not the first club who has visited us and got unfair treatment for them.

Any way other than all of that hope the travailing fans had a good day if it was possible and good luck next season.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

absoutly disgrace!! heavy handed!! I got a orange jacket on I have more power than anyone!! all we wanted was a party atmosphere once again spoiled by stewards!! hope the old man recovers very quickly! wouldn't of happened had the stewards not intervened!! yet chelt fans can surf thier flags!! not one steward pulling it down!! spolied

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Take a look at the match thread Cheltrobin and the bigger picture will become clear. heavy handed it appears was not the words for it!!! I honestly feel sorry for you guys having to put up with stewards like that week in week out, ours aren't the best but at least they don't behave like yours!!!

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

The stewards were even worse than Crewe's. Worst I've ever seen. Really left a bad taste in the mouth, after a great afternoon out. Hopping mad at the moment. :mad:

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

.... knees like a footy ball ... so off to ice it up then ana
thanks to all the help me ...... and to all fans of footy .. not stewards ..

puls did not see goals

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

speak to a soliciter monday grimps many saw what actually happened.:mad:

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

It's about time somebody took legal action against one of these jumped up, power mad b****rds. What I saw yesterday was completely "over the top". Those so called stewards were nothing more than legalised thugs, I thought I'd seen it all at Leeds. They completely over reacted to the situation and it was lucky no one was seriously injured. We all witnessed what happened and who it was at the centre of it all. Also, why was it necessary to deploy half the Gloucester constabulary to police the match, talk about overkill.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Hope your knee is ok Grimps, I spoke to you in the concourse during the match and asked what happened to you.

the stewarding and policing was a disgrace and quite unnecessary. As I wrote in my post on the "Match" thread I was quite appalled.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

The elderly gentleman who was injured in the flag incident was very lucky not to have been killed. I was first to him to treat him after he was nearly strangled in the tug of war over the flag. Shame on the Cheltenham steward who started the fiasco & police who I had to shout at to get medical aid to him. He was ill on the coach on the way home & poorly Sunday. There are standards for stewarding & am qualified as a supervisor as many Stanley fans know but do try to put the customer service side of the job to the fore amidst all the regulations. What I have seen from some away stewarding this season make our lads angels in comparison. There deserves and will be more from this debacle and all complaints need to be put in writing to the club, keep a copy as if the club do not reply within 14 days they can be reported to the FA. The old gentleman already suffers from angina & cancer & he will be complaining as he has a perfect right to.http://www.accringtonweb.com/forum/i...cons/icon6.gifhttp://www.accringtonweb.com/forum/i...cons/icon8.gif

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

stewards were a disgrace! my cousin nearly got crushed with all the stewards pillin round us!
hes only 12! complete disgrace

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Hate stewards :@

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

has there been any recourse as of yet?

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

as do i fella but you guys didn't exactly cover yourselves in glory on Saturday did they!

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Could you please explain what you mean by that? Were you there, the Stanley fans did nothing wrong & innocent people got hurt & abused by their stewards :confused:

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

wake up, think nige is refering to grimsby fans.:D;)

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Yep he talking to Luke the Grimsby fan there Accy Mad!! Its just a touch early in the morning for me too!!

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Whoops, sorry :o - guess it's still a bit of a sore subject & I'm not at my best first thing, apologies again :)

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

I'm surprised this thread hasn't generated more comments than it has. I emailed CTFC to express my disgust at the behaviour of their stewards but, maybe like me, most people realise that nothing will happen.
The only recourse that away fans have towards such legalised thuggery is to refuse to visit grounds where the stewards behave like hooligans. But that means not following your team; impossible for some fans to even contemplate.

But if no away fans turned up at Whaddon Road next season it would cost Cheltenham twice over, not only in lost revenue but also in the money they would waste on paying for the stewards that are not be needed.

I was impressed by the strength of character shown by the Stanley fans who walked out rather than be treated like criminals but, by then, CTFC had pocketed the gate money. Maybe next season Stanley fans should think about whether they want to reward CTFC with more of their hard earned money and spend it on champagne in The Crown instead.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

I think more of the comments are on the matchday thread, as far as I can tell quite a lot of us have either emailed or written to CTFC - whether or not they do anything remains to be seen but either way I for one will certainly not be making the trip there again.
I was amongst those who walked out & my only regret at doing that was that we missed the chance to applaud our players at the end of the game but I still think we did the right thing.
I have also posted on the Cheltenham forum as some of the posts on there are so far from the truth it's unreal (according to one fans post apparently we had some rovers & burnley fans with us who had only gone to cause trouble ??? )

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

I never went in on Saturday, partly because I presumed they wouldn't let me in after nearly being arrested (for starting a peaceful march from pub to Crown) and partly because of all the fuss, all the police & all the aggresive stewards we were faced with t the away entrance.

What I was bowled over about is the solidarity of the support. There were 10 or so who flatly refused to go in. Then many many more who left because of the way they were treated. A few others tried to leave & weren't allowed!!!!!

I was very very proud because you see division amongst other League 2 clubs all the time over trivial issues. Have a look at RobinsNest forum & they are having a "our stand i better than yours" debate...

I will support a blanket ban on Whaddon Road next season, but tbf it must be strictly enforced & supported or it will just look like we travelled poorly. Maybe, if fans are desperate to see the game, then go in the home ends & be quiet. I will stay at home as requested & spend the £100 or so, on club shop, crown & some more red & white material!

On Stanley On!

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Would that not affect the Stanly players, not having any supporters cheering them on ? I think that it would only have a negative effect by boycotting the game. If the game is near the end of the season and Stanley need the points for automatic promotion or a play-off place, would you still not attend the game ?

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

i will miss it to ill bye sum new tops from club in stead

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Fair point but I think sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe in

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

which forum did you post on?

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Boycott or no boycott, I don't think many fans will be going anyway after the sickening scenes we saw and the way we were treated. I'd certainly rather spend the £60 return from Piccadilly (plus admission etc) on something else. Might even sponsor a player's shirt with the money I'll save by not going!

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

stand outside and sing!! we would still be louder than them!!o wait standing in groups of more than two might be a hooligan group!!!

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

The Football League | About Us | Customer Charter | FOOTBALL LEAGUE CUSTOMER CHARTER

Not sure if the link is of any use

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

I posted on the Robins Nest forum, had to slightly change my name to stanleymad (sorry Mel :)), for some reason I couldn't register as AccyMad & it was the nearest I could think of)

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Just had a look back on their forum, my post had received a few comments (one not so nice) so tried to post again only the thread has now been locked & no further comments can be made - oh well at least i got to say my piece on what actually happened, not really bothered if some of their lot don't believe it, hopefully the truth will come out

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

I'm with you on this, Willie. It's the ONLY sanction fans have against the fluorescent bully boys and clubs who pay them and, to be honest, I'd hope the players would understand that it was an exception. Obviously if it's the decider at the end of next season, then would need to reconsider. But it may even generate media coverage if Stanley fans agreed they would boycott this one away fixture. Course CTFC couldn't risk it being a bluff so would have to employ the stewards anyway. The biggest problem would be convincing everyone; if half a dozen, who weren't aware of or didn't care about the boycott, turned up it would take the edge off it. I wonder what the revitalised OSC think about it?

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

You are either boycotting it or not boycotting it. You cannot change your mind because of circumstances. Make your mind up one way or the other.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

well having just recieved n e-mail from cheltenham f.c. regarding last sat, i will certainly never set foot in that ground again.:mad:

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

What was the reply ??

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Haven't received any reply to mine yet, what did they have to say Cashy?

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Yes I can, it's called free will and judgement.
But more importantly, what was the reply from CTFC and will we all get one?

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

I sent them an email on sunday but not heard owt yet !

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Well I have avoiding commenting on the whole situaton as I wasnt there however from the stories ive heard I know I wont ever be setting foot in that hell hole.

WERE FANS NOT CRIMINALS

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Boycott!!!!

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

I think that Stanley fans should still turn up but steward their stewards with our "conga-stewards" from the Barnet game.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

all hi-vis next year

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

You didn't get much free will and judgement at Cheltenham did you ?

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Remind me, Jeff, did I only pay for the half hour or is this the the full hour argument?
If you want me to come down on one side or the other of your high horse, I'm for a boycott. But you were the one who questioning the impact of a boycott on the team.
If Stanley are at Whaddon Road in May again needing a result to clinch promotion or play-offs (or, better still, either of those AND sending CTFC to the Conference) then we can all go out and buy a fluorescent jacket (which I thought was a great Plan B). But, assuming Stanley will be there sometime between August and April, I'm not going to Cheltenham.

I'm still more interested in what the reply to Cashy said as I haven't had a squeak from CTFC.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

After speaking with cashy about subject of reply, he tells me that it wouldn't be a good idea to post it, as could cause complications. I haven't seen the reply myself but if cashy feels that it wouldn't be appropiate to post then i respect his decision not to, altho he could always change his mind but thats upto him.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

I heard from people on our coach that a man got knocked over by a steward! Is this true?!?!?

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

You were treated appallingly however this happens alot nowadays, not just at cheltenham, your milking it a bit now, we had very similar problems at mansfield few years back. but we didnt moan and threat a boycott we just travelling with twice as many fans and were twice as loud the following season, i follow cheltenham everywhere no matter what the opposotion fans or stewards are like, all clubs are different and its not your beloved teams fault so they should not suffer the embarrasment of playin to an empty away end. The over the top escort before the game here was prob for your benefit as much as anyone else. chelt is no millwall or cardiff however there are mindless idiots as most places, there have been problems before at away games and at home as chester, tranmere, kidderminster, southampton and plymouth etc fans will tell you, fans attacked in and around the town. this is a nice peaceful town with a good reputation and the police wanna keep it that way, same for the club. i thought your support was fantastic and i want someone to let me know how to get hold of that red smoke! its not dangerous is it? was awesome, very cintinental feel, the atmosphere you created was second to none this season apart from the strong travellers with 1000plus fans here. anyways we hope you enjoyed our cracking pubs, nice town and an ok game here this season and try to put overzealous power hungry stewards behind you. keep your flags flying

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Thanks for your comments, no-one's saying there's not bad stewarding at other grounds - just that this is the worst we've ever experienced and for a lot of us a total shock.
You say Cheltenham is no Millwall or Cardiff & you're probably right but that also applies to the Stanley fans, there is never any trouble from them whatsoever which made what happened on Saturday just unbelievable.
The flags will certainly keep flying - at least at grounds where they're allowed to :)

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

I think my friend ya dont know what yer talking about! 2 seriously injured senior fans is hardly "milking it a bit":rolleyes:

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Don't wish to rake up old coals on this topic but, for those who may be interested, I've just had a reply from the Football League asking if I'd had a response to my email to the Safety Manager at Cheltenham Town, and making this offer:
"Should this not be the case, please inform us and we will contact them for their observations"
This offer came from:
Nick Jones
Customer Services Officer
The Football League Ltd
Email: [email protected]
www.football-league.co.uk

As I haven't heard anything back from CTFC (and didn't expect to) I've told Nick Jones that I'd be interested in any response he could extract from the club.
I'll let you know if I hear anymore.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

I have still not heard anything yet from cheltenham has anyone else ?

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Not heard a dickie bird either, interesting reply from the football league - maybe all who contacted Cheltenham but haven't received any reply should contact them if we've still not heard anything by beginning of next week

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

The Football Ground Guide has a page for fans to add their experiences of visiting other grounds:
Football Ground Guide: Submit You Own Ground Reviews.

I'm sure Stanley fans' comments on Cheltenham will be appreciated!

The Cheltenham page is here:
Football Ground Guide: Whaddon Road, Cheltenham Town FC

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

It looks like Exeter had a rough time.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

And Chesterfield fans had a similar experience:
Cheltenham -v- Chesterfield - Bob's Board - Chesterfield FC

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Seems stanley was not n isolated incident, yet the Cheltenham F.C. club backs these stewards to the hilt, this Paul Gordon guy who folk complain to,must be some kinda THUG himself.:(

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Just received a reply from CTFC as follows:

Thank you for your email with regard to the Cheltenham Town v Accrington Stanley match on Saturday 8 May and please accept our apologies for the delay in reply. Unfortunately your email was not forwarded to me straight away.

This particular fixture presented a number of issues for both the stewards and police as a number of Accrington Stanley supporters arrived at the ground under the influence of alcohol and proceeded to commit a series of criminal offences and breaches of Football League Ground regulations.

With specific regard to the flag, on two occasions during the afternoon Accrington supporters had set off flares inside the ground. Entering a football ground with such an object and setting it off are both criminal offences. The Accrington supporters were informed by the stewards that they would not be permitted to unfurl a large flag due to the fire risk associated with its proximity to any further flare releases. Unfortunately the Accrington supporters reacted negatively and the stewards were met with further abusive behaviour.

Having reviewed the stewards’ reports, CCTV footage of the afternoon and having received feedback from the police, the Board are satisfied that the stewarding and safety management was commensurate with the challenges posed by the visiting supporters. This assertion is supported by extensive CCTV evidence of the incidents in question.

Yours sincerely

Paul Godfrey
Director/Football Secretary, Cheltenham Town AFC Ltd

Direct dial 01242 588118 Mobile 07747 776850

Cheltenham Town Football Club,Whaddon Road Cheltenham Glos GL52 5NA

More or less what one might have expected.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

True, it's probably as expected - even if most of it is lies.
There were not 2 flares set off inside the ground, one small smoke bomb was just before kick off but that was it.
With regard to the flag, their stewards said nothing about a fire risk, in fact the only comment I heard them say was that it couldn't be unfurled because it was too big - the 'abusive behaviour' their stewards were met with regarding the flag was because as they were trying to pull it away from our fans they ripped a large hole in it which then ended up around the elderly gentleman's neck.
Our fans were trying to lift it off this man but were impeded by both stewards & police alike. But for the swift actions of Alan Clitheroe I dread to think what could have happened.
They don't mention either of our fans who were injured by the actions of one of their stewards but as has been said already it appears it's not just us who have faced problems at Cheltenham so it's unlikely anything will be done.
I know the family of the 15 years old who who was injured while he was being forcibly ejected by said steward are pressing charges against him & I really hope the charges are made to stick.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Accy Observer carries a similar response from Cheltenham police who are satisfied with their conduct and this is backed up by extensive CCTV.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Well they would say that!!! the one i spoke to didn't.:rolleyes:

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

After the trouble at home games with smoke you would think whoever let that off would have known better.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Has anyone noticed how they always say there is conclusive cctv evidence but there is never an invitation to view it, not even an offer to send it to the club itself if they want to take up the matter on behalf of their fans.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

I could be mistaken here, but I was under the impression that the clubs safety officer (Mick or Caroline) could ask to see/have a copy of the cctv footage if they so wished. If said footage then showed the numpty who decided to let a smoke bomb off in the ground (allegedly) and or fans abusing the Stewards/Police then ASFC could take action against them if it was deemed to be appropriate. If, however as I suspect, none of the allegations are truthful, then surely the Club would then be in a position to refute them and demand a fuller explanation?

Perhaps MrT may be in a position to confirm/deny my assertations?

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Fair comment but the fact remains that that one isolated incident did not warrant the treatment the Stanley fans received that day & that was not the reason/excuse given for detaining either of the two who were arrested.
As has already been said on this thread, fans from other clubs have had similar experiences at Cheltenham & some specifically mention the same steward who was involved in the rough treatment of the 15 year old & yet CTFC seem determined to back their stewards to the hilt & put the blame squarely on the Stanley fans.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

agree, but not relevant, the steward involved was a thug,idiot, n knobhead. simple as, Hitler started WW2, but ya wouldn't blame "All" germans.:rolleyes:

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Who wouldn't? :D

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

I'm afraid I think setting off the smoke flares (there were two during the game, to be accurate) is relevant, if only because doing so was likely to wind the stewards up. Not enough to justify what happened subsequently, but something to cost us at least some of the moral high ground and give CTFC something to use in their defence of the indefensible. And of course it's stupid, and potentially dangerous. Numpty is right for whoever set it off, though I wouldn't disagree with "thug,idiot, n knobhead" for the steward either.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

The club asked for a full report from cheltenham and the police after the game.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Cheers Mab, I wasnt there so couldnt be sure !

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

:) Dont know the out come,but it was asked for pete :)

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Just spoke to Mr S (he's on a safety course at present)

Yes he's asked for information, as yet no reply
(unlike Crewe who replied immediately)

See you ALL tomorrow!!:)

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

That's interesting, over two weeks since the Cheltenham game & Mick still hasn't had a reply from CTFC. If they were sure their actions were justified surely they'd have sent the necessary information by now.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Probably cos they were only justified to them? even cheltenham fans posted on here knocking what happened.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Big Al posted on here a couple of days after the incident that if CTFC hadn't replied to anyone who had complained within 14 days, they could be reported to the football league, it's bad enough they've ignored most of us who wrote to them but to ignore the club as well???? - only goes to prove what we've known all along, they were in the wrong but won't admit any liability.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

yep, funny how they didn't ignore me though.:D

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Suggests everyone & Club take it further to FA, bet they are banking on u not doing so hence ignoring it.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Mick S said at FANs meeting last night that he still has not had reply and he - along with some of the others there, Police, FL etc. - suggested that as many as possible write to C.T.F.C. with complaints.

Will get address and post on here.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

It might be useful to also copy Nick Jones in any emails.
He extracted a response from CTFC within one day of me telling him I hadn't hrd a response aftwer one week. If other fans have contacted CTFC and have simply been ignored, I'd hope Nick Jones would be interested to know about it, given his job title. If nothing else, it may just give CTFC some hassle.

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Thanks, will definately get in touch will those two people, I think CTFC have had quite enough time to reply & they're obviously not going to if we don't keep at them

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Allegedly, the Accrington support was the drunkest support EVER at Whaddon Rd.....

Photo evidence it wasn't just youngsters......

http://sn126w.snt126.mail.live.com/a...CB06CBD67870||

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Who took yer photo then jase?:rofl38::rofl38::rofl38::rofl38:

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

I couldnt drink 7 and a half pints like Steve could

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

only had to bootles all day .so u can get stuff with that one you town scum bags

Re: Cheltenham stewards
 

Drunk.. shurely shum mishtake.
I don't recall being breathalysed going into the ground, so how do they figure that?
Just another 'fact' based on opinion not evidence.