Joshua title fight ‘the biggest challenge yet’ for police in capital
HOSTING the Anthony Joshua fight in Cardiff was a “bigger challenge” for police than hosting an international rugby game between Wales and England.
The fight, in front of a crowd of 70,000 at the Principality Stadium, took place on a night when there were works on the Brynglas Tunnel, fewer train services due to pre-planned electrification works, and a Cardiff City home game, as well as other city gigs.
Russell George AM, chairman of the Assembly’s Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee, had asked stakeholders to explain their part in hosting the October 28 heavyweight boxing event.
After problems with long queues after the Rugby World Cup in 2015 the Assembly put recommendations in place.
Mr George said: “The committee had hoped these would avoid a repeat of the negative headlines following sporting events.”
However, the committee has listed media reports from a number of outlets reporting issues.
Responses were received from the Principality Stadium, rail companies, British Transport Police and the city’s council.
They speak of the shorter-than-usual planning period for the fight, with confirmation it was happening just eight weeks before the event.
British Transport Police, who police the railway station and services, said the fight left them more stretched than what had previously been their busiest event, a Wales v England rugby game.
They said there was a link between “the quality of the service provision” and “crowd dynamics and behaviour”.
“The bottom-line measure is, poor services lead to poor behaviour,” they said.
Their letter added that short notice means that increasing resources is a “bigger challenge” and has an impact on budgets.
“At this time, there is no possibility of recovering any costs,” they added.
The letter continued: “When service provision is either not possible, delayed or in doubt, this has a negative impact on the behaviour of the queues – even those who have not been drinking.
“Boxing events also bring a different crowd profile to Cardiff, many of whom have not been to the city, let alone the station before, and this too adds to their anxiety before they arrive with us, postevent.”
The letter also highlighted issues with roads at the rear of Central station being closed.
“Road closure issues at the rear of the Central station post-event are a concern, particularly as we need to protect the long line of queuing public at the road leading under the railway bridge and this needs further discussion with both Cardiff City Council and South Wales Police.”