FSM


Feature


Old Trafford Fans’ Invasion Puts Stadium Security In The Spotlight


Richard Jenkins, Chief Executive of the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), considers the stadium protection issues raised by Manchester United FC’s recent venue breach and how managers can best secure their facilities in the future...


The chaotic scenes at Manchester United FC’s Old Trafford ground on Sunday 2nd May, after around 100 fans broke into the venue and invaded the pitch, led to violent clashes with extra Police subsequently drafted in from neighbouring forces to help the venue’s security team regain control.


This unwarranted incident focused attention on appropriate stadia security measures and staffing resources and highlighted the potential for disruption, inconvenience and additional cost that can result. The consequences can be wide ranging in terms of repair costs, potential fines, possible local authority venue licensing issues, Policing bills and withdrawal of commercial sponsorships due to negative publicity.


Risk Management


Risk assessment in the context of changing threats to a venue can take into account all existing physical security measures around the perimeter such as vehicle barriers, fencing, lighting, entry doors and locking mechanisms. Using the onion peeling analogy, ‘layers’ of protection can provide visual deterrence, slow down intrusions, enabling detection and observation systems to provide security operatives crucial time to assess the situation and react accordingly.


18 FSM


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