Amanda - I've heard that a west ham fella has had a result after getting arrested at Boro this season, something needs to be down about the number of away fans arrested at Boro as it seems a regular event. Actually it needs to go further as we have issues (and I'm sure others do) at Sunderland and Newcastle where ejections and arrests are common place - holding fans a lot of the time without charge until the last train has left seems to be the norm as well - any chance of getting any stats on away fans arrests in the north east?

This happens at reading as well. There absolute salmons the police at football!!

I know its only one case, but when at Hartlerpool one bloke was arrested for being drunk, which was fair enough if you saw him. But it meant he missed the bus, got pissed again that night, then had to get the train home on Sunday, which must have cost a lot. I thought it could have been dealt better by the North East police. They seem to be right pr*cks.

Paul, how did you hear about that?

The policing and general treatment of supporters is something I feel very strongly about and hope to be able to do more after election onto the FSF Council in the summer.

I've arranged for a team of law students to put together a fact sheet on the rights of football supporters and this should be out in time for the start of next season. I believe the FSF are working on similar. I'm also hoping that the same students will do a seminar to which we can invite reps from fans groups/organisations who can then pass the information down to their members.

It is clear that policing is getting more oppressive and heavy handed and that many are being victimised for no other reason other than they're football fans.

I really want to challenge this "expect and accept" attitude that many fans have; many are extremely reluctant to complain about their treatment which doesn't help much.