Grand_Rapids_Gunner
21 Jul 2008, 10:52 AM
... For an extended amount of time that is. Just got this letter in my email from The Arsenal
Dear Supporter,
We are all now looking forward to the 2008/09 season, with the Emirates Cup kicking the campaign off at the stadium on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August.
Ahead of the new season, we just wanted to take this opportunity to explain our policy concerning standing in the seated areas at Emirates Stadium. We do understand that many of you want to show your support and urge the team on – and we have no objection to people standing in order to see a particular move or at crucial points in the game. However, in one or two sections of the stadium, it is becoming increasingly apparent that supporters have been standing throughout some of the matches.
There are a number of reasons why the Club, in conjunction with the Premier League have to kindly request that supporters sit down if they are standing persistently throughout the match.
Although safety is a major factor, the main concern generated from persistent standing during matches is the general welfare and comfort of other supporters.
Please find below the general reasons why we kindly request supporters to sit down during matches. Standing in seated areas seriously affects the enjoyment of the match of other supporters who simply cannot see the match because of people standing in front.
The welfare of other supporters
When people stand up in a seated football stadium, those behind cannot see – and this doesn’t just mean the one person in the seat behind.
As soon as someone stands up they prevent many people from having a full view of the pitch. Children, the elderly and those who find it difficult to stand for any period of time, cannot see the match, and it is unfair to deprive them of the opportunity to watch the match.
Safety issues
When a large number of people stand for any length of time, the crowd inevitably spreads out and there is a tendency for the gangways to become blocked.
It is essential that these gangways are kept clear in case of an emergency – which is one of the Club Stewards’ responsibilities on a matchday.
If just one person falls over when there are many standing, this can cause a ‘domino effect’ to occur, and many people could suffer injury as a result.
Stadium regulations
In order for the local authority (Islington Borough Council) to grant a safety certificate for Emirates Stadium, the Club has to demonstrate that we are able to manage our supporters and the stadium regulations are adhered to, which include ensuring that supporters are seated.
Without a safety certificate, the stadium cannot be opened. If the authority decides that any areas of the stadium are unsafe due to persistent standing they could impose certain conditions which could include the closing of specific areas of the stadium.
In conclusion, we just want to say that we are proud of the fantastic support we enjoy at Arsenal and of the excellent behaviour of our fans who attend our matches both home and away. We just ask all supporters to be considerate towards other people in the stadium who wish to sit down during the match.
We value your support and want you to continue to enjoy the matches at Emirates Stadium and the purpose of this communication is part of a concerted effort by all Premier League clubs to ensure that supporters understand why clubs are asking people to sit down during matches.
We hope that this information has been useful and in short, please help us – and your fellow supporters – by ensuring that Emirates Stadium remains a safe and comfortable place for all.
Unfortunately, if the Club receives continual complaints concerning individual supporters, or individuals refuse to follow the instructions from Stewards, the Club will have no option but to suspend the membership of the offending individual.
Can we also take this opportunity to once again make supporters aware of our Anti-Social Text Service at Emirates Stadium. Please click here for full details.
Thank you for your continued support.
Yours sincerely,
John Beattie
Stadium Manager
Arsenal Football Club
Michigan Stadium is bad too, where fans will tell people who are standing to sit down. I just find it stupid that the club has to tell fans how they can and cannot cheer for their team. Anybody else find this policy stupid?
Dear Supporter,
We are all now looking forward to the 2008/09 season, with the Emirates Cup kicking the campaign off at the stadium on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August.
Ahead of the new season, we just wanted to take this opportunity to explain our policy concerning standing in the seated areas at Emirates Stadium. We do understand that many of you want to show your support and urge the team on – and we have no objection to people standing in order to see a particular move or at crucial points in the game. However, in one or two sections of the stadium, it is becoming increasingly apparent that supporters have been standing throughout some of the matches.
There are a number of reasons why the Club, in conjunction with the Premier League have to kindly request that supporters sit down if they are standing persistently throughout the match.
Although safety is a major factor, the main concern generated from persistent standing during matches is the general welfare and comfort of other supporters.
Please find below the general reasons why we kindly request supporters to sit down during matches. Standing in seated areas seriously affects the enjoyment of the match of other supporters who simply cannot see the match because of people standing in front.
The welfare of other supporters
When people stand up in a seated football stadium, those behind cannot see – and this doesn’t just mean the one person in the seat behind.
As soon as someone stands up they prevent many people from having a full view of the pitch. Children, the elderly and those who find it difficult to stand for any period of time, cannot see the match, and it is unfair to deprive them of the opportunity to watch the match.
Safety issues
When a large number of people stand for any length of time, the crowd inevitably spreads out and there is a tendency for the gangways to become blocked.
It is essential that these gangways are kept clear in case of an emergency – which is one of the Club Stewards’ responsibilities on a matchday.
If just one person falls over when there are many standing, this can cause a ‘domino effect’ to occur, and many people could suffer injury as a result.
Stadium regulations
In order for the local authority (Islington Borough Council) to grant a safety certificate for Emirates Stadium, the Club has to demonstrate that we are able to manage our supporters and the stadium regulations are adhered to, which include ensuring that supporters are seated.
Without a safety certificate, the stadium cannot be opened. If the authority decides that any areas of the stadium are unsafe due to persistent standing they could impose certain conditions which could include the closing of specific areas of the stadium.
In conclusion, we just want to say that we are proud of the fantastic support we enjoy at Arsenal and of the excellent behaviour of our fans who attend our matches both home and away. We just ask all supporters to be considerate towards other people in the stadium who wish to sit down during the match.
We value your support and want you to continue to enjoy the matches at Emirates Stadium and the purpose of this communication is part of a concerted effort by all Premier League clubs to ensure that supporters understand why clubs are asking people to sit down during matches.
We hope that this information has been useful and in short, please help us – and your fellow supporters – by ensuring that Emirates Stadium remains a safe and comfortable place for all.
Unfortunately, if the Club receives continual complaints concerning individual supporters, or individuals refuse to follow the instructions from Stewards, the Club will have no option but to suspend the membership of the offending individual.
Can we also take this opportunity to once again make supporters aware of our Anti-Social Text Service at Emirates Stadium. Please click here for full details.
Thank you for your continued support.
Yours sincerely,
John Beattie
Stadium Manager
Arsenal Football Club
Michigan Stadium is bad too, where fans will tell people who are standing to sit down. I just find it stupid that the club has to tell fans how they can and cannot cheer for their team. Anybody else find this policy stupid?