Council argues safety exit risks at Hillsborough ground were fairly outlined

Sheffield City Council’s lawyer has claimed that its prohibition notice – banning home fans access at two main exits at Hillsborough - fairly outlined the safety risks involved despite the club’s appeal to quash the notice.
Fans at the ground.Fans at the ground.
Fans at the ground.

Ben Williams, representing Sheffield City Council, argued the prohibition notice placed on two main exits at Leppings Lane - currently prohibiting access for home fans - fairly outlined the safety risks and what could be done to remedy them.

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court heard during the club’s on-going appeal to quash the notice that the council placed the notice on the club banning the use of the two exits to stop home and away fans mixing after crowd trouble during the derby with Sheffield United in March.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

James Beer QC, representing the club, argued today, December 19, the presentation of the notice is flawed and it fails to fully identify areas of concern around the ground and he urged that the matter be dismissed.

Stewards on duty at the Leppings Lane end of HillsboroughStewards on duty at the Leppings Lane end of Hillsborough
Stewards on duty at the Leppings Lane end of Hillsborough

He has also argued a report commissioned by South Yorkshire Police did not wholly call for a prohibition on the exits without prior investigation.

However, Mr Williams said the notice does fairly tell the club what the serious risk is and what they must do to remedy it by stopping home fans using the two exits.

He added: “I agree this notice has imperfections but what I say is that in the context of this case the club knew and know what is required and what the problem was even though they do not agree with it.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

District Judge Naomi Redhouse said her options could include cancelling, affirming or amending the notice.

She reminded both parties even if the notice was cancelled the council can immediately issue a fresh notice.

The council put the notice in place at the start of the 2019/20 season.

This followed a clash between fans at the city derby in March which Mr Beer blamed on badly parked coaches which hemmed fans into a tight space.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Fans have been told there is no access to the south and north stand areas from Leppings Lane and fans exiting the north stand have been doing so via Penistone Road.

The case was adjourned until January 8.