West Midlands Police have confirmed that they will be supporting the Coventry City stewarding operation where needed on match days at the Ricoh Arena to deal with those who drink alcohol in view of the pitch, a breach of the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985 or those who indulge in anti-social behaviour.
City have identified a problem and issued advice after reports of some supporters being seen drinking in view of the pitch and other instances of anti-social behaviour with Steve Waggott saying that " who are found to be deliberately disregarding the rules can face immediate ejection from the Ricoh.”.
Those coming to the Ricoh Arena for the first time are particularly advised to read the following ground rules and regulations.
http://www.ccfc.co.uk/fans/customer_information/
The Police have said that the problem is not widespread and as always the majority of supporters are a credit to the club.
Worth A Read - http://www.ccfc.co.uk/news/article/ground-regulations-ricoh-arena-coventry-city-2105474.aspx
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985
- prohibits the possession of alcohol on the way to matches on football special coaches
and trains and makes it an offence to be drunk on them - makes an offence of trying to enter a ground when drunk or in possession of alcohol; of
possessing or consuming alcohol within view of the pitch during the period of the
match; or being drunk during the period of the match - provides the police the power to search someone reasonably suspected of committing
an offence under the Act, and to arrest such a person: this may include searching
coaches or trains carrying passengers to or from matches