A High Court judge ruled yesterday that local policing around Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium cannot be classified as ‘special police services’. The judgment will see the Championship team reimbursed by the force for payments made over the last three years – although the specific amount has not been revealed.
The Guardian newspaper reports that the decision concerns an area around the stadium which is not owned or leased by the club – which claims the space fell within the scope of a constable’s normal common law obligation to maintain public order.

Violence

In the High Court, Mr Justice Eady agreed with Leeds, adding that the club -- whose home matches have one of the worst records of football-related violence in the country – should be reimbursed. He said: ‘It seems wrong to discount the majority of well-behaved fans who come to Elland Road, whether club supporters or visitors, all of whom retain their status as members of the public. In that capacity, they too are entitled to expect police protection.
‘In any event, I consider that there would be insuperable difficulties in seeking to sub-divide people, in public highways and other spaces, when trying to assess to whose benefit such duties were carried out.’

Legislation required

Lawyers for West Yorkshire Police argued that the area of land in question was policed almost exclusively for the protection of football fans.
Although Mr Justice Eady agreed that his decision was unfortunate for West Yorkshire Police and the public purse, he said the government would have to extend the scope of special police services in such circumstances so as to ensure recoupment of police costs, therefore legislation would be required.