To:
bperrin@swindonadvertiser.co.uk Dear Sir,
I am writing in response to your article "trouble at the match" in respect to the Scunthorpe United V Swindon Town match at Glanford Park Saturday.
I was at the game and the situation DID start with Joe Murphy taking too long to kick the ball. The article did however fail to mention that Murphy had said something to the Swindon fans which the police after the match confirmed the keeper would be reported to The FA and to Scunthorpe United Football Club.
The article was written in such a way that blamed Swindon Town fans. It failed to mention what part the stewards, police and Murphy himself had been a root cause for problems escalating. The article also quoted “STFC Gazza” blaming Swindon fans for the problems. I am actually the person in question. I noticed how you failed to note that I had actually stated that “the stewarding did nothing to ease the situation between the fans and Murphy however I am not sure what was said but I would probably say Swindon fans were not totally innocent either. Swindon Town fans behaved impeccably up until that time and sat down when the stewards requested. Not once did Town fans lash out at stewards or police until the Murphy incident. "
After the Murphy incident it appeared as if the police and stewards started assaulting the Swindon Town fans however I cannot confirm for sure whether this was the case however BBC radio apparently said the stewards were heavy handed and a steward had punched a Swindon Town fan. I know this because a mate text me saying "Radio are saying it’s kicked off with stewards punching a fan"
Stewards are there to protect the fans and ensure safety at games. The behaviour of the stewards was shocking. They should have stepped in there to try and calm tensions down with Town fans and Joe Murphy the Scunthorpe Keeper not jump in and start a shoving match with the fans.
Fans were actually encouraged by the police after the game to report Murphy and the stewards to Scunthorpe United FC and Swindon Town FC who can then raise a complaint to the relevant people.
It would be useful to get facts correct before blaming and pointing the finger at Swindon fans. Yes Town fans played their part no doubt as they were involved but there is no way this incident was initiated by the travelling Town support.
I noted none of your photos in the article showed stewards or police being heavy handed only fans being ejected as I am sure it makes a better story and sells more papers.
I in no way condone violence at Football. There were women and children there and the Stewards should have done more to ensure a family atmosphere at the ground instead of retaliating and causing more problems instead of trying to ease tensions.
Swindon Town have no history with Scunthorpe United and to not mention the key point about the stewarding or lack of is poor.
PS What's your favourite cheese?
