Cops blasted for ‘brag’ over issuing Covid fines
POLICE TWEET SPARKS ONLINE OUTRAGE AFTER FOOTBALLERS BREAK RULES
POLICE have come under fire after deciding to issue Covid fines to a group of lads playing football in breach of lockdown rules.
In a message shared on their official Twitter account, officers in Gorton said they ‘detained’ three ‘rule breakers’ and handed out fines at Wright Robinson school on Saturday afternoon.
The tweet read: “Football matches = Covid Breaches. Gorton N/hood attended at Wright Robinson school, rule breakers detained, x3 covid fines issued. #FootballsGoingHome #CovidBreach #RedCard #SentOffWithAPenalty.”
The tweet also included pictures which showed three patrol cars and five officers speaking to young men wearing football attire.
The decision to issues fines and the tone of the message which appeared to mock the incident has sparked criticism on social media.
“Well done. Can’t stop a protest with thousands of people attending, or even deal with the off-road bike issue in YOUR area, but can stop 4 people playing football in the park and brag about it” wrote Alan O’Neill sarcastically.
Stacey Cheetham wrote: “Yes, you’ve been instructed to do this but come on it’s nothing to brag about. This is not what you all joined the police for surely. Easier than catching burglars though eh?”
And Wayne Harley wrote: “I personally think the #tags are a joke and this tweet is one of the worst I’ve seen in a long time. Maybe you wouldn’t have as many problems with the kids in Gorton if you worked with them instead of c*** like this absolute joke.”
Wesley Bishop, one of the officers in the Gorton neighbourhood team, responded to the criticism by claiming that the alleged offenders had been warned a number of times.
“Tweets had been posted previously as warnings, people have been spoken to in person, they know it’s wrong as they see police and run only to return again later, damage is being caused to the fences by people breaking in the grounds. Warning letters have been issued. Now fines!” he tweeted.
However, a man who said he had taken part in the football games hit back.
“I’ve played games of football with the lads the last few weeks and not once have we had to break in anywhere, gaps in fences are everywhere and it’s passers-by with nothing better to do who call the police,” he wrote.
“Playing football is almost a guarantee to be ‘socially distanced’ and it works absolute wonders for the head, isn’t it mad that a kickabout with friends could potentially be saving your life, or your mates. Stop the fines they’re b ****** s.”
Outdoor sports will be able to resume legally from March 29.