Heightened Security Measures

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Jagermesiter1871
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Re: Heightened Security Measures

by Jagermesiter1871 » 14 Aug 2017 09:46

Reading4eva I've heard it all now.

These idiots are trying to cause disruption and effect people's lives when they least expect it.

It only takes one nutter to think London is too hard, Birmingham is too hard, Manchester is too hard to make it a real threat. And with our attitudes shown on this thread, Reading could be seen as a softer unexpecting target. Our station is definitely a vulnerable area due to its connections to the big cities and what about the Oracle.

Nowhere is 100% safe at the club are well justified to have these measures in place. It might make a nutter think Reading is too hard as well.


Mate the Scorpians have already shown everyone we're too hard. What more do we need to do?

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Re: Heightened Security Measures

by Jagermesiter1871 » 14 Aug 2017 09:48

RoyalBlue
Gunny Fishcake I dont think it's we're suspected hooligans, I'm afraid it's a reflection of the sad world we live in today where terrorism is achieving what it sets out to do and that is ruin the lives of normal decent people . Where ever there are big crowds these searches happen unfortunately.


Prior to the game the club publicised that it is for that reason (i.e. terrorism) . However, Manchester showed that terrorists have got wise. They don't need to risk getting caught entering a stadium/arena at the start of an event. Just turn up as the exit gates open and people start to leave. Sadly, it's pretty difficult/almost impossible to implement security measures to prevent that happening.

Equally, think of the safety/security risk of hundreds of supporters walking along the pavement of the busy A33 relief road before and after games.

I believe many visible security checks like this are as much (more?) about giving the populace reassurance/a perception of safety than being a really effective measure of stopping something terrible happening.


Terrorists haven't got smart. They're not a collective movement. One guy thought it would be a good idea to bomb the MEN exit. The majority still want infamy and in most people eyes if they're going to die doing it at the biggest event/location will still be the favourable option. It's why there's never been a terrorist attack in Swindon.

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Re: Heightened Security Measures

by genome » 14 Aug 2017 11:54

This is happening at all grounds from last weekend, isn't it? That's what I've heard

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Re: Heightened Security Measures

by East Grinstead Royal » 14 Aug 2017 12:53

Season Ticket Holders were sent an email by the club on Friday which contained a link to the following message:-

Three points isn't the only priority on Saturday. Making sure everyone goes home safe is the most important result.

Reading FC have been working closely with the police and the EFL, over the summer, to review security at Madejski Stadium. Now we are asking you to do your bit.

Following the dreadful Manchester Arena bombing in May, stadium managers from clubs have been briefed by counter terrorism police.

It is vital that everyone - players, staff and supporters - remain vigilant and report any concerns to stewards or police.

Attacks might be rare, and the chance of you being caught up in one unlikely, but the message is #ActionCountersTerrorism.

There will be heightened security measures at Madejski Stadium throughout the season, including bag and physical search procedures for everyone at all the stadium entrances. The safety of all supporters is paramount and fans can be assured that Reading Football Club works extremely closely at all times with the Police and specialist advisers in implementing the appropriate security measures for safety and protection.

It is inevitable that access to the stadium this season will take longer. Please be prepared for this and allow sufficient time. Please also bear in mind that if you exit at any stage, you will need to pass through security to re-enter.

We ask that you do not bring unnecessary bags into the stadium as there are no storage facilities. We also ask for your understanding, patience and cooperation with us and that you also inform your guests of this update.

And finally we ask for your vigilance on matters of security. If you see or hear anything suspicious, please bring it immediately to the attention of one our staff.

Here's a quick reminder of what you can do to help keep yourself and others safe:
•Arrive early, allowing more time for security checks
•Minimise what you carry, fewer bag searches will speed up entry to the ground
•Be vigilant at all times and if you see anything suspicious, tell a steward right away
•If you see anything that could pose an immediate threat to safety, call 999
•In an emergency, listen to the Public Address instructions and follow them
•If told to evacuate, do so immediately, do not wait around to film events on your mobile
•Move right away from the stadium as quickly as possible for your safety and to allow clear access for any emergency vehicles
•Once you are safe, follow the local police force on Twitter for updates

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Re: Heightened Security Measures

by RoyalBlue » 14 Aug 2017 13:25

Jagermesiter1871
RoyalBlue
Gunny Fishcake I dont think it's we're suspected hooligans, I'm afraid it's a reflection of the sad world we live in today where terrorism is achieving what it sets out to do and that is ruin the lives of normal decent people . Where ever there are big crowds these searches happen unfortunately.


Prior to the game the club publicised that it is for that reason (i.e. terrorism) . However, Manchester showed that terrorists have got wise. They don't need to risk getting caught entering a stadium/arena at the start of an event. Just turn up as the exit gates open and people start to leave. Sadly, it's pretty difficult/almost impossible to implement security measures to prevent that happening.

Equally, think of the safety/security risk of hundreds of supporters walking along the pavement of the busy A33 relief road before and after games.

I believe many visible security checks like this are as much (more?) about giving the populace reassurance/a perception of safety than being a really effective measure of stopping something terrible happening.


Terrorists haven't got smart. They're not a collective movement. One guy thought it would be a good idea to bomb the MEN exit. The majority still want infamy and in most people eyes if they're going to die doing it at the biggest event/location will still be the favourable option. It's why there's never been a terrorist attack in Swindon.


Terrorists aren't dumb. Some are a collective movement and others will realise that the Manchester approach reduces the chance of getting stopped prior to gaining infamy. If they didn't learn from prior events, why the increased use of vehicles as a killing machine. I pray that we aren't deemed a big event/location because all of those people walking along the one narrow pavement alongside a fast moving relief road................


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Re: Heightened Security Measures

by blueroyals » 14 Aug 2017 16:41

What's the point of searching everybody before the game when people are able to exit and re-enter the stadium freely during half time? A complete waste of time if they're not going to do it properly.

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Re: Heightened Security Measures

by Readingfanman » 14 Aug 2017 16:48

blueroyals What's the point of searching everybody before the game when people are able to exit and re-enter the stadium freely during half time? A complete waste of time if they're not going to do it properly.


I kind of agree with this, I bought freeze spray for a strained neck last week before the game without twigging that I wouldn't be able to just freely walk in, so dumped it outside the East Stand, and just went and picked it up at half time.

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Re: Heightened Security Measures

by Snowflake Royal » 14 Aug 2017 18:49

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SCIAG If a terrorist was going to strike a football match, they'd choose one with 60,000 people rather than 6,000. It would be in a big city.


That really is a terrible attitude to take with terrorism. There are no rules or boundaries. Having a domestic terrorism policy based on "they'd probably..." won't work. It's called target hardening and the net has to be cast as wide as possible.

Is it solely based on numbers and location?


It might be a terrible attitude but based on previous events it's true. Their focus and thought processes is clearly to pick events and occasions which maximise exposure through loss of life and or locations.

What I find quite ironic is that quite frankly they'd be more effective targeting small events all over the place where security is reduced and would really create the "if they can get us here" sort of fear they wish to instil.

Regardless it's a tragic time and state of affairs. :(

They have to maximise victims, because there aren't enough of them to keep up a drip drip of small soft target hits. And they don't have many repeat offenders for some reason. But still, they're not going to care about the difference between a 60,000 crowd and a 10,000 crowd, because they're never going to kill more than a thousand or so with their resources with any single attack.

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Re: Heightened Security Measures

by ronnyroyal » 14 Aug 2017 19:46

In response to OP:

Personally I don't mind it. But I can see why some wouldn't. I've had both bag checked and not checked so maybe it's just a token effort.

I was more annoyed at 'orange jacket man' man handling me out of the turnstiles in the play off semi when my card didn't register on the gate.

But thankfully and fully expected a 'blue jacket man' (actual stadium employee) was great and sorted it out and told the bloke to go away.

Agency staff are just doing what they are paid to on the request of the club. The guys and girls employed directly are always great IMHO.


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Re: Heightened Security Measures

by Gunny Fishcake » 14 Aug 2017 22:44

Jagermesiter1871
Gunny Fishcake I dont think it's we're suspected hooligans, I'm afraid it's a reflection of the sad world we live in today where terrorism is achieving what it sets out to do and that is ruin the lives of normal decent people . Where ever there are big crowds these searches happen unfortunately.


Hardly ruining your life is it? Getting patted down on your way into a football ground and having to remove your bottle tops is really ruining your life? Jeez I'd take your problems.


I feel you're really misunderstanding my point, of course I'm in favour of any security checks , my point about ruining or have a disruptive effect on people's lives is how nowadays millions of people have their "normal" things like a trip to London , a flight on holiday, going to a pop concert, attending a festival even taking a bottle of water on a plane prior to passport control effected by these evil terrorist scum

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Re: Heightened Security Measures

by Jagermesiter1871 » 14 Aug 2017 23:23

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Jagermesiter1871
Gunny Fishcake I dont think it's we're suspected hooligans, I'm afraid it's a reflection of the sad world we live in today where terrorism is achieving what it sets out to do and that is ruin the lives of normal decent people . Where ever there are big crowds these searches happen unfortunately.


Hardly ruining your life is it? Getting patted down on your way into a football ground and having to remove your bottle tops is really ruining your life? Jeez I'd take your problems.


I feel you're really misunderstanding my point, of course I'm in favour of any security checks , my point about ruining or have a disruptive effect on people's lives is how nowadays millions of people have their "normal" things like a trip to London , a flight on holiday, going to a pop concert, attending a festival even taking a bottle of water on a plane prior to passport control effected by these evil terrorist scum


As far as I know there isn't a single terrorist organisation who's objective is too cause a minor nuisance and make bottle caps a banned entity. They want to stop you going to these events. I'd assumed no ones been put off watching Reading play because it requires a bag search now.

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Re: Heightened Security Measures

by SCIAG » 19 Aug 2017 14:37

West Stand Man
SCIAG If a terrorist was going to strike a football match, they'd choose one with 60,000 people rather than 6,000. It would be in a big city. They'd probably attack outside the ground, before any searches have taken place. Probably use a combination of vehicle and personal weapons rather than an IED in a bag.

The remote threat of an attack on the inside of the stadium is not worth harassing thousands of people. I mean it's probably about a 1 in 10 million chance of an attack which kills someone happening in the next ten seasons, over which time they'll have harassed millions of innocent fans. As a liberal, I'm against that sort of thing.

Unless there's been a specific threat made against the club, then they're in the wrong.


I assume that you are an expert in counter terrorism? You certainly sound as if that is what you are claiming to be.

What makes you so certain that a 60000 crowd is essential rather than just a big crowd. Could the shape or style of the stadium be important? Might the vulnerability and / or efficacy of the security checks also be a factor in target selection?

As you are the expert I look forward to your responses. Clearly you don't think that the EFL or RFC security advisors know what they are talking about so I guess you have better intel.

I'm not claiming to be an expert in counter terrorism. If there's a specific threat that has been made which we are not privy to then these measures seem appropriate. It's also possible that there are some factors I am not considering that terrorists use when picking targets, although in Western countries they nearly always attack high-profile targets, schools, or particular groups they hate (gay clubs and religious groups e.g. Black September targeting Israelis). I may be wrong, but I don't think they're usually very sophisticated in target selection.

I would, however, claim to be reasonably good at statistics and rational thinking. Look at the odds of dying at a football match, you are more likely to die of a heart attack at the ground, or a stray punch from the drunk guy sat behind you, or overzealous security forces not doing their jobs correctly. You are more likely to slip and fall on the stairs, which mostly do not have hand rails. You are more likely to be hit on the head with the ball. You're much more likely to die in a car accident on the way home. Your pie and pint will do much worse things for your life expectancy than the tiny risk of being in a terrorist attack, as will the fumes you inhale as you walk past the bus (or sit in your car). Oh, and if a terrorist wants to kill you then they can still do it, they just have to wait until you are helpless outside the ground, or when you are next in the town centre, the Oracle, or the train station. Of course, even there you're more likely to die because you trip over at the wrong time.

If the concern is safety of supporters then the right thing to do is to ban people from driving to the ground and only serve healthy food and drinks. The money used getting an agency steward to feel my legs could be used getting an agency steward to help an old boy climb the stairs, or to buy extra defibrillators, or setting aside a block for people who panic in crowds. And for a bonus, you don't accuse millions of innocent people of being terrorists. We deserve better.

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Re: Heightened Security Measures

by Snowflake Royal » 19 Aug 2017 17:56

oh, get a grip.


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Re: Heightened Security Measures

by Forbury Lion » 21 Aug 2017 13:23

SCIAG If a terrorist was going to strike a football match, they'd choose one with 60,000 people rather than 6,000. .
or they'd go for every football match being played on that day in a co-ordinated attack.

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Re: Heightened Security Measures

by Sanguine » 21 Aug 2017 13:24

bobby1413
SCIAG If a terrorist was going to strike a football match, they'd choose one with 60,000 people rather than 6,000. It would be in a big city.


That really is a terrible attitude to take with terrorism. There are no rules or boundaries. Having a domestic terrorism policy based on "they'd probably..." won't work. It's called target hardening and the net has to be cast as wide as possible.



Quite.

And the capacity of the MEN Arena was 21,000, for what it's worth.

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Re: Heightened Security Measures

by Sutekh » 21 Aug 2017 13:29

Apparently female supporters were asked to show their bras at Stevenage on Saturday :shock:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-40992174

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Re: Heightened Security Measures

by bobby1413 » 21 Aug 2017 13:45

Sutekh Apparently female supporters were asked to show their bras at Stevenage on Saturday :shock:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-40992174


It's a sad day when even officials join in with the "Get your t*ts out for the lads" chant

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Re: Heightened Security Measures

by SCIAG » 23 Aug 2017 09:27

Much more sensible approach from the club last night.

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Re: Heightened Security Measures

by Forbury Lion » 11 Apr 2018 13:47

In recent games there have been no bag searches and no body searches - I'm not sure how I feel about this. Has the threat level changed? Perhaps they are doing this in a more targeted way?

I did feel a bit awkward when, after being body searched for however many games in a row I got the stadium and went up to the steward with my arms out asking him if he wanted to search me only for him to say no :oops:

My worse bag/body search experiences in the West Lower were
1. New staff trying to tell me I wasn't allowed to bring a Waitrose cupcake in, which was in my bag - I got his supervisor to overrule him
2. One steward who thinks he has to pat down my penis as part of the body search - I try and avoid him if I can.

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Re: Heightened Security Measures

by The Reverend » 11 Apr 2018 13:50

He sounds nice. What does he look like?

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