§ 27. Mr. HepburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to meet representatives of the Football Association to discuss crowd control. [26194]
§ Tessa JowellThe Government look to the football authorities to act quickly to prevent any recurrence of recent crowd disorder at matches. The Football Association and the FA of Wales are conducting detailed inquiries into events at the cup ties played at Cardiff and Aston Villa on 6 January. I expect that these inquiries will consider the extent to which local police forces made use of the extensive public order powers available to them under the Football Offences Act 1991 and other legislation. I have made it clear that the Government stand ready to assist with these inquiries, and my right hon. Friend the Minister for Sport would be happy to facilitate meetings between the football authorities and Ministers, if these are considered necessary.