FAO CLaroe re Derby Stewards

I spoke to the Deputy Safety Steward on the phone yesterday, Nigel someone or other to put my POV across. He was in full agreement that the away section was un-necessarily over-staffed to the point of creating an intimidating atmosphere. It was a point apparently discussed in their debrief yesterday morning. I also voiced my disapproval at the double-standards employed by the people under his charge, again he conceded I had a point.

Bilverstone was about half a dozen rows directly behind me, Squiz, Prags and Bev Hills. As far as we could see/hear he was asked early doors firmly by two stewards to sit down. The second time he was standing he was approached by about half a dozen stewards plus three police (one with the video camera). I couldn't make out what was said to him initially but there was a lot of shrugging of shoulders and protestations of innocence from Bilvo. Before we knew it, he was being physically dragged out. He was overheard to say that he "would walk with them if he was allowed", but was violently man-handled out of his row and down the steps. I could see him starting to struggle aggressively towards the bottom of the steps, but only in response to the stewards heavy-handed physical approach.

I was not aware that the young lad ejected during the second half was carted off by his neck. Apparenly he was thrown out for taking alcohol up to his seat, when he'd already been warned not to do so. I have no sympathy with him being thrown out, but again being man-handled in such a violent manner is totally unacceptable.

I have spoken to a couple of Derby-supporting friends from work, and told them of our experience. They both were in agreement that the stewards at Pride Park are notorious a**holes.

Posted By: Jim Nasium, Dec 6, 13:43:17