Sheffield Wednesday handed Hillsborough supporter safety management order

A prohibition notice has been served on the Championship club which stops home fans been being released from the north and south stands onto the Leppings Lane forecourt at the west end of the stadium.

Concerns were raised following crowd trouble at the Steel City Derby between Wednesday and Sheffield United in March this year.

Sheffield City Council said it has been liaising with the club and South Yorkshire Police, and the move has been made on the eve of another local derby on Saturday, when Barnsley are due at Hillsborough.

Steve Lonnia, chair of the council’s Safety Advisory Group SAG, said: “Following the submission of a report commissioned by South Yorkshire Police that highlighted issues with regards to public safety on the Leppings Lane forecourt at Hillsborough Stadium, the council and members of the group have worked very closely with Sheffield Wednesday to resolve these issues.

“As the certifying authority, public safety is of paramount importance and it is our duty to act on matters that pose a risk to the public. Due to the evidence presented in the report, we immediately requested that the club submit proposals to deal with the issues raised.

“A prohibition notice has been served that means there will be no access or egress from the North and South Stands on to the Leppings Lane forecourt for home supporters.

“Throughout this process we have worked together with Sheffield Wednesday to find a safe and acceptable solution to these issues and they have now submitted proposals in an attempt to address them. As the Certifying Authority we will now assess these with the other members of the Safety Advisory Group.”

South Yorkshire Police (SYP) said in a statement on Friday: “We received the proposals from the club to address the concerns ahead of tomorrow's match, at 10am this morning. We will work in partnership, in the time now available, to seek a positive outcome but our priority will always remain public safety.

“Following the last Sheffield derby, South Yorkshire Police listened to feedback from supporters, the SYP Football Independent Advisory Group and commissioned an independent analysis of crowd safety at the stadium.

“The report was provided to the club on June 27, 2019 and since then, and going forward, we remain committed to working with the club, the SAG and all partners to ensure the safety of everyone attending matches at Sheffield Wednesday.”

Sheffield Wednesday has been contacted for a comment.

By Dave Higgens, PA