Coventry City fans' fury over Ricoh Arena searches

[dutchman]

Coventry City fans have blasted new security measures at the Ricoh Arena which saw an increase in the number of searches carried out before the Blackpool game.



Many took to Twitter to vent their frustrations at the changes – with one person alleging that a three-year-old was patted down.

For some it was the first time they have ever been searched at the Ricoh Arena.

Mac McKenzie, who runs coaches to watch the Sky Blues from Rugby, said: “I’ve been going for more than 40 years and this is the first time I’ve been frisked.

“I went with three people and the same thing happened to them too.

“One person said they were searching for bottles, another said they were looking for offensive weapons and someone else said it was because of the Olympics coming up.

“If they’re changing something you would think they would tell the stewards the same thing.

“If it happens again I won’t be coming back and I don’t think I’m alone in saying that.

“The club is driving fans away. We’re being treated like yobs and hooligans.”

Another long-time season ticket holder, Jon Bridgeman, 40, said he was staggered when his 75-year-old mum had her handbag searched.

"You expect your bag to be searched but my mum had this tiny little handbag,” Jon, of Chapelfields, said.

“It’s totally excessive – what did they think she had in there?

“Apparently some fans were refusing and they were still being let in. All I want is a bit of consistency.

“They home in on a little lady and a big lad tells them to get stuffed and they don’t seem to care.

“It’s easily rectified. They need to speak to a club who have recently moved to a new stadium and find out how they do it.”

Just 12,882 fans watched the match, which the Sky Blues drew 2-2 after a controversial last gasp equaliser.

Anthony Mundy, facilities director of CCFC, said: “We did have increased security checks on Tuesday night and apologise for any inconvenience caused to match-goers.

“The exercise had to be “real life” so we could not warn people in advance, but we have asked stewards to show appropriate discretion and judgement.

“We would ask for people’s patience and understanding when these checks are implemented. Our main aim is always to ensure the safety and security of all visitors to the Ricoh.”