EFL investigate after Grimsby fans 'asked to show bras' at Stevenage
Monday 21 August 2017 21:02, UK
An EFL investigation is underway following accusations that a number of female Grimsby supporters were asked to show their bras to security staff at Stevenage.
Grimsby fans group the Mariners Trust have issued a public letter outlining a number of complaints from supporters and urging Stevenage to investigate following the League Two clash at the Lamex Stadium on Saturday.
Their letter claimed that some female supporters were asked by female stewards if they could "feel their bras" if they confirmed that they were underwired - something the Mariners Trust claim is "unlawful".
In a statement, Stevenage have insisted they followed a "joint club and police decision to implement a full, 100% compliant, searching regime" after a risk assessment indicated "high risk groups attending and the potential for anti-social and un-cooperative behaviour".
The club say they will be investigating these allegations further but insist that no incidents of inappropriate behaviour towards female supporters or young spectators were reported to them on the day.
After being made aware, the league have confirmed "the EFL's Security Advisor is looking further into the matters raised and will be seeking the observations of both clubs."
The Mariners Trust's statement to Stevenage read: "We believe there were a number of serious failings by the stewards inside the Lamex Stadium, which we urge you to investigate to ensure that supporters from other clubs are not treated with the same contempt.
"It is our view that the treatment of Grimsby supporters by your stewards was amongst the worst our fans have experienced in decades of travelling across the world to watch football.
"Several female supporters were asked to lift their tops up to show their bras to female stewards upon entry to the Lamex Stadium. This decision - in the queue in front of other supporters, including men and male stewards - is a gross invasion of privacy.
"Female supporters have also since contacted us to state they were asked by female stewards if they could feel their bras if they confirmed that they were underwired.
"The supporters were made to feel uncomfortable and when they replied they would 'rather not' they were 'reluctantly' let into the ground. This act would effectively constitute a sexual assault and these types of searches are unlawful."
