Provision of information held by Northumbria Police made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the 'Act')
As you may be aware the purpose of the Act is to allow a general right of access to information held at the time of a request, by a Public Authority (including the Police), subject to certain limitations and exemptions.
You asked:
- How many individuals does Northumbria Police identify as "risk supporters" in relation for each of the following clubs: Newcastle United; Sunderland AFC; Gateshead FC; Blyth Spartans; South Shields FC.
- Separately, how many banning orders are currently active on fans associated with the following clubs: Newcastle United; Sunderland AFC; Gateshead FC; Blyth Spartans; South Shields FC.
- Could you please provide the criteria which the force considers when identifying a fan as a "risk supporter".
In Response:
We have now had the opportunity to fully consider your request and I provide a response for your attention.
Following receipt of your request, searches were conducted with the Football Unit of Northumbria Police. I can confirm that the information you have requested is held in part by Northumbria Police.
I am able to disclose the located information to you as follows.
1. No information held. Northumbria Police follow the UKFPU and college of Policing definition of a football risk supporter:
“risk supporter – a person, known or not, who can be regarded as posing a possible risk to public order or antisocial behaviour, whether planned or spontaneous, at or in connection with a football event”
Because a risk supporter can be spontaneous, an exact number of individuals will never be accumulated and therefore not held.
2.
NUFC – 75
SAFC – 43
Gateshead – 0
Blyth Spartans – Does not fall within the banned risk supporters legislation.
South Shields – Does not fall within the banned risk supporters legislation.
3. See point 1.