Thread by @FairCop_

Coach travelling Sheffield Utd fans effectively banned from Cardiff this Saturday. While they can go to the match v CCFC that’s all they can do

Any freedom of movement and association they were looking forward to has been severely curtailed by police

A thread 🧵1.

I’ve just spoken to a SUFC supporter who has organised coaches for several years. His passengers comprise men, women and teenagers. None of them have caused or ever been in trouble. They’re just ordinary people who happen to support a football club and follow them away. 🧵2.

Despite this match being scheduled back in the summer, the police have only been in touch within the last few days to advise that draconian Traffic Commissioner Guidelines are to be enforced for all coaches travelling to this match. 🧵3.

Despite the fact they’re only guidelines, failure to adhere to them can see coach operators face sanctions so it’s in their best interests to adhere to them.

The guidelines are, surprise surprise, only for football. 🧵4.

Highlights from the guidelines include coaches not stopping within ten miles of the ‘venue’ and arrival/departure times according to the kick-off time being specified

Oh, and coach operators are obliged to inform the police if their vehicles are booked for football matches 🧵5.

On Saturday, #twitterblades have been instructed to meet at a RV point - a service station - so police can “facilitate” their getting to the stadium in a “safe and timely way”. They’ve been asked to arrive there for 12.15 for a 3.00pm kick off. 🧵6.

The police have apparently “canvassed” all the pubs in Cardiff and not a single one will accept travellers from Sheffield. This is of course their right but it seems as tho’ the expectation is that every single travelling fan wants to do nothing more pre match 🧵7.

than visit a pub and get steaming drunk and not take advantage of anything else Cardiff - a fantastic City - has to offer.

Fans have been told they can be dropped off outside of the ten mile radius that they’re not allowed to stop in and 🧵8.

then take a train to the game. Which is jolly nice of the police!

There’s been no real explanation given as to why these ordinary men, women and children are being treated like this but the assumption is because Wales are playing Argentina in the Rugby. 🧵9.

While the coach organiser I spoke to is incredibly exasperated by this he’s also resigned to it which is probably the worst aspect of this. The “expect and accept” culture among fans & the general lack of interest and scrutiny by so few people outside the game. 🧵10. @BBCWales