Wednesday wait not on

WHEN Newcastle fans reported overcrowding, poor stewarding and fears of a crush in Sheffield Wednesday’s Leppings Lane stand before their FA Cup tie in January, it was portrayed by some as a fuss over nothing. Nobody got hurt, move on. But several dozen fans registered their experiences about the pre-game situation with the club’s supporters group, citing packed gangways and entrances and a lack of stewards directing them.

These were real accounts and real fears. It seems logical that there may be some issues that needed addressing.

There is extra sensitivity, of course, because the Leppings Lane End was the scene of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 which saw 97 Liverpool fans lose their lives in a crush during an FA Cup semi-final.

A few days after the Newcastle incident Wednesday said they had “complied absolutely with the safety certificate” with “no reports of injuries or medical assistance required”. Later, they said “minor recommendations” had been made for changes.

The minutes of a meeting from a Safety Advisory Group, which was called by Sheffield Council, was shared with the Toon on Monday – after they had asked for it – and detailed the changes needed while also acknowledging that neither stand was over capacity and the steward numbers were “appropriate”.

Among the recommended changes, though, were a reduced capacity from 4,700 to 3,700, four extra turnstiles open, CCTV improved and safety consultants appointed.

Why did it take a request for this all to be made public? Wednesday should have made this all clear at the earliest opportunity.

That part of Hillsborough should also have been demolished years ago out of respect. At the very least, this latest incident should hasten a rebuild so that fans can feel safe.

As Eddie Howe said: “If there is anything to learn from our experience at that game to help supporters in the future, then it is a must.”