Firstly can I say how totally embarrassed I was by the actions of certain people yesterday after the match.
Secondly can I say, speaking as an ex Safety Officer how entirely proud I was of the Stewards yesterday in dealing with a number of trying circumstances.
The first being the away fans with respect to the weather. All away fans were advised on entry that the terrace was uncovered but that they could sit in a covered area if they paid the difference. I don't see this as being any different from how I'm advised Alty fans are treated away (except that at certain ground the option is not offered) I was out reading the Turnstiles in the diagonally opposite corner to where the Torquay fans sat in the FAMILY stand and I could hear the foul language from where I was. It is a family stand and contained children and sponsors and to my mind and also the minds of people who witnessed the scenario the Stewards who requested that the language be moderated acted in an exemplary manner being firm yet polite.
The second was in the response to the Torquay supporter who was taken ill. I have been at bigger venues staffed by paid individuals who have dealt with issues such as this far less well. Special mention must be made of the Club Doctor who was, as he always is, absolutely superb. However this gentlemans illness was not the only time that the interaction of the stewarding staff etc was worthy of merit.
After the post match conflict the gentleman in question was very badly traumatised by what he had seen but time and care was spent by the staff (particularly Darren and Ian from the stewarding staff and George Heslop) to take care of him, to keep him safe and to ensure that he got back to his hotel safely.
Can I also say that if you are the Taxi Driver who ripped him off £25 for a ride from Alty Station to the Ground I seriously hope you lose your licence and your livelihood. If you know said driver then I'm sure that the Licensing Officer at Trafford Town Hall would love to know who they are.
Finally, as I've said I'm mortally embarrassed by the actions of certain people in the aftermatch fracas. I'll say no more at present other than I know what I saw and it sickened me. However the Stewards (volunteers remember) who moved quickly, and at some risk of personal injury, to try to break up the melee and calm things down are worthy of honourable mention and praise which they seem not to get enough of in my humble opinion.