Cops Visit Travelling Toon Fans

Last updated : 03 October 2014 By Footy Mad - Editor

On Monday police from the team were at a number of stops in Newcastle city centre to speak to Newcastle United fans as they set off for Stoke.

Officers from the team, which launched at the start of the season, gave advice to fans about keeping their behaviour under control and urged them not to let their team down by causing trouble.

Cops also reminded fans that turned-up with booze that alcohol was not permitted on the private coaches they were travelling on.

Sgt Neil Pacey: “The majority of fans travelling to games are well-behaved and a credit to their teams.

"We aren’t here to stifle anyone’s fun, however we do have a duty to prevent football-related disorder, which can be escalated through alcohol.

“It’s an offence to consume alcohol when travelling on a coach to a designated football match and we could take a more robust approach and stop the coach on the motorway to search passengers en route.

"We don’t want to take this approach with fans - we want to work together with them, build relations and maintain a positive approach to policing football.

“This more approachable tactic lets us talk to fans but also allows us to listen to their issues and concerns.

“It also provides support to coach companies and drivers who potentially would have to deal with drunk and disorderly behaviour if fans were allowed to take alcohol on board with them.

“We look to continue this approach over the season for travelling Newcastle and Sunderland fans.”