INITIAL RESPONSE FROM PVFC CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLICATION OF THE OPERATIONAL DEBRIEF STAFFORDSHIRE POLICE

Port Vale Football Club welcomed the commitment to a full enquiry into the social disorder and police operations at the Port Vale -v- Wolves match on the 31st August 2013.  Staffordshire Police Chief Constable, Mike Cunningham, has issued a debrief report/observations into the policing operation and Port Vale Club's operations at the above match.

While this may shed light on individual police perceptions of the operations on that day, it does not constitute a full enquiry.  It is vital that as a first step there should be an evidence based assessment of operational failings on the day to identify standards which will be need to be adhered to for future events.  

There are inaccuracies and misconceptions quoted by officers in this debriefing which need to be addressed and dealt with by both Staffordshire Police and Port Vale Football Club.  

Port Vale looks forward to constructive dialog with Staffordshire Police in order that a factual statement can then be issued covering points raised in the report and, in turn, assisting them to ensure that the pre and post match experience on match days are incident free and are remembered for a safe and enjoyable fan day experience.