EFL Clubs have united to raise awareness of the steps supporters can take to help reduce the risk of security incidents taking place at a football stadium.
In partnership with Counter Terrorism Police, Clubs all around the country are using their profile in their local community to help ensure football fans are better equipped to protect themselves and fellow supporters as they make their way through the turnstiles of EFL Clubs week in, week out.
Important messages will be shared in stadiums and on social media channels, with high profile players showing their support by appearing in important videos to increase awareness of the ‘Know the Game Plan’ measures that can be adopted by football fans young and old.
These include:
- Arrive early and carry less to speed up any bag searches.
- Be vigilant: if you spot anything suspicious, tell a steward or staff straight away.
- If you see something that could pose an immediate and serious threat to safety, call 999.
- In an emergency, if you are INSIDE the stadium, listen out for and follow public address messages or instructions from stewards and staff.
- If you are told to evacuate an area, DON’T hang around and film on your mobile phone. Move right away to allow access for the emergency services.
- In an emergency, if you are OUTSIDE the stadium, the advice is Run, Hide, Tell.
- Once you’re safe, follow the local police force Twitter account for updates.
EFL Clubs have already shared messages on their social media channels, while others such as Hull City and Colchester United are developing matchday messages for use on their big screens.
Southend United are working closely with Essex Police to create an informative video featuring players and staff from the Club, and similarly, Nottingham Forest players will be making a personal message to be published across their social media channels.
Across the River Trent, Notts County will also be using a selection of players to read out the important guidelines and messages, as referred to above, in relevant areas of Meadow Lane such as the turnstiles and emergency exits.
A number of Clubs across the Sky Bet Championship, Sky League One and Sky Bet League Two will also be featuring key messaging in their matchday programme. Burton Albion forward, Lucas Akins, said: “It’s important for Clubs to make fans aware of the relevant safety procedures when they attend a football match.
“Myself and my teammates were more than happy to share the correct information with supporters, and we hope it helps them to stay safe and enjoy the game.”
Notts County Chairman, Alan Hardy, said: "At Notts County we take the safety of all supporters extremely seriously.
"In line with this we welcome the EFL's campaign and will continue our efforts to make Meadow Lane a friendly, welcoming and, most importantly, safe place for all."