EFL confirms 'no specific action' will be taken over 'bra searches' at Stevenage
Wednesday 25 October 2017 22:51, UK
The EFL has confirmed "no specific action" will be taken against Stevenage following complaints stewards acted inappropriately by asking some female Grimsby fans to show their bras to security staff ahead of a League Two match at the Lamex Stadium in August.
Grimsby supporters' group the Mariners Trust had claimed a number of the club's female supporters were asked by stewards if they could "feel their bras" as part of the pre-match searches, while full-body searches were also allegedly carried out on children as young as five ahead of the game.
Stevenage denied inappropriate incidents took place during the security searches and the EFL confirmed on Wednesday that it would be taking "no specific action" against the club following an investigation into the matter.
A statement released by the EFL read: "Following a comprehensive review of events alleged to have taken place prior to the League Two fixture between Stevenage and Grimsby Town on Saturday August 19, the EFL has now given due consideration to the complaint raised in respect of the stewarding operation on the day.
"On receipt of detailed observations from both clubs, the EFL can confirm that no specific action is to be taken under its rules.
"In addition, supporters are reminded that dedicated channels exist at all clubs and the EFL to ensure that there are professional and approachable points of contact to report any complaints or issues of concern. Details are available via a club's or the EFL's Supporters' Charter.
"Alternatively, all supporters have the right to contact the Independent Football Ombudsman (IFO) who are accredited as an Approved Alternate Dispute Resolution Body.
"The EFL notes the co-operation received in this matter and in particular would like to thank both the management teams at Stevenage and Grimsby Town for their assistance.
"The EFL will, however, continue to work with all its clubs to ensure that attending matches remains an enjoyable, positive experience for supporters and, to assist, will be issuing updated guidance regarding a number of safety, security and stewarding matters."
The Mariners Trust criticised the outcome of the investigation in a strongly-worded statement on Wednesday night.
The statement read: "The Mariners Trust is bitterly disappointed with the outcome of the review undertaken by the EFL and reaffirms our view the Football League has no regard for lower league clubs and their supporters.
"How the EFL can say asking female supporters to lift their tops and show their bras does not break their rules is astounding. The EFL has not denied the incidents took place which makes their judgement even more laughable.
"The fact that the national media were sent the outcome BEFORE the Mariners Trust speaks volumes.
"Grimsby Town supporters were treated in an appalling manner when they visited Stevenage. The incidents were witnessed by a number of people and Stevenage FC failed to even acknowledge our concerns, brushing them off as if supporters don't matter.
"We felt reporting it to the EFL was a last option to get our voice heard so that other supporters were not treated in the same way. As with the introduction of Under 23 teams in the Checkatrade Trophy, the EFL seems determined to sideline football at lower levels.
"Football fans won't be ignored forever and the Mariners Trust will continue to work alongside the FSF and Supporters Direct to push for reforms in the way supporters continue to be treated as criminals. After all, watching football is not a crime.
"It took two months for the EFL to come out and say nothing - it took them two hours to comment on [Pep] Guardiola's comments about footballs. This, we believe, shows where the League's priorities lie - and it's not with supporters."
