BSARA wrote to Newcastle United Football Club protesting about the behaviour of a coachload of fans who, on 14/Sep/2013, stopped off in Beacon Street en-route to Aston Villa. The fans were obviously intoxicated, broke bottles, chanted and obstructed pedestrians and motorists. See photo on the right and a copy of our letter and the club's response below.

We are pleased to say that Lichfield City Council, Lichfield Police and the football club were quick to say that this sort of behaviour is unacceptable.

Inspector Rachel Joyce, of Lichfield Police, says that we can "be assured that enquries are still ongoing regarding the Newcastle fans and any offences that were committed", but asks that we "continue to be patient whilst these enquries continue".

The football club say that the coach, see photo to the right, was independently hired by a group of supporters i.e. it was an unofficial supporters coach. BSARA have been assured that club sanctions will apply to any supporter arrested or charged as a direct result of their behaviour in Lichfield. Newcastle United have notified Northumbria Police of the incident and have encouraged them to work with Staffordshire Police and the Traffic Commissioner to take action against the offending coach operator.

BSARA appreciates such a strong statement from the club. There is little more that can be done until the Police complete their investigation.

Copies of correspondence (see attached PDFs)

1. Letter dated 07/Oct/2013 from Bob Smith (Chairman, BSARA) to Mike Ashley (Chairman, Newcaste United Football Club).


2. Letter dated 14/Oct/2013 from Steve Storey (Head of Safety & Security, Newcaste United Football Club) to Bob Smith (Chairman, BSARA).