The Club has published a policy outlining sanctions for misbehaviour and ticketing offences, and a clear appeal process for fans. It’s something we’ve been asking for some time, and we’ve been working closely with THFC and the Football Supporters' Association to come up with something that is workable, clear and fair.
The final document, which can be read here, has taken on board some of the views we put forward, but there remain some areas of concern.
We’re pleased there is now a clear tariff of offences and sanctions, that there is a formal appeal process that allows fans to be represented in person and to nominate a representative to accompany them, which could be someone from THST. We’re also pleased there is a clear message about the selling on of tickets.
We have a number of concerns over the simplistic nature of the ticketing tariff. The lack of a clear definition of what constitutes “discriminatory language” is also a concern, especially as the sanction is an indefinite ban. And on a similar note, the Club’s decision to set itself up as a moderator of social media behaviour has worrying implications. Finally, the inbuilt majority of Club employees on the appeals panel is a concern – although the Club’s acceptance of an FSA representative on the panel is a positive move.
We began from a place where there was vague policy implemented inconsistently, and in some areas an absence of any policy at all. So what’s been produced is a big step forward, and proof that there is value in discussion between the Club and its fans. As such, alongside the FSA, we’ve agreed to monitor how the policy operates over the next six months and then have further discussions.
THST Board
19 December 2019
We’re pleased there is now a clear tariff of offences and sanctions, that there is a formal appeal process that allows fans to be represented in person and to nominate a representative to accompany them, which could be someone from THST. We’re also pleased there is a clear message about the selling on of tickets.
We have a number of concerns over the simplistic nature of the ticketing tariff. The lack of a clear definition of what constitutes “discriminatory language” is also a concern, especially as the sanction is an indefinite ban. And on a similar note, the Club’s decision to set itself up as a moderator of social media behaviour has worrying implications. Finally, the inbuilt majority of Club employees on the appeals panel is a concern – although the Club’s acceptance of an FSA representative on the panel is a positive move.
We began from a place where there was vague policy implemented inconsistently, and in some areas an absence of any policy at all. So what’s been produced is a big step forward, and proof that there is value in discussion between the Club and its fans. As such, alongside the FSA, we’ve agreed to monitor how the policy operates over the next six months and then have further discussions.
THST Board
19 December 2019
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