I feel compelled to express my disgust with the manner in which the T&T managed the entry and exit of thousands of ardent football fans at our recent World Cup qualifier against the United States, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, recently.
We all acknowledge that the times in which we live are dangerous, with international terrorists striking with frequent acts of mass killings the world over.
Our leaders warn us that we are not immune to these attacks. We appreciate the measures taken to search and scan all fans on entry to ensure our safety, but the history of football management, from the time I can remember when the late Eric James was in charge, demonstrates a lack of knowledge of crowd control and scant respect to our football loving public.
I have attended two world cup finals and was subjected to similar security checks but got to my reserved seat in minutes. There was only one entry and exit point. At the entrance where all 25,000 were directed, there was a corral-style structure allowing six queues to funnel through after which fans were scanned and some searched. This was very dangerous and it was a miracle that no one got seriously injured. I witnessed fathers and mothers holding their young children on their shoulders to protect them from being crushed.
Up to near the kick off time the queues were still long and the anxious crowd surged forward to hustle into the stadium. I wonder if the administration and the security agencies did their math? With a single six entry point, at best it takes five seconds to screen each patron. In one minute 72 fans can be processed making it 4,360 in an hour. Divide this into the 25,000 capacity crowd. This process will take five-and-three-quarter hours. Gates were opened at 4.30 pm, so with an orderly management of the crowd in this ridiculous one entry, some will get to their seats after the half time interval.
I suggest that the TTTF in future World Cup qualifiers use four entrances, one reserved for the covered stand. They will have to increase security personnel which elevates costs. The current cost of tickets is too low. Maybe they can charge $250 for uncovered stands, $400 for the covered area and introduce a reserved covered seating area at $500. I am sure that many die-hard fans would not make a fuss about the price of a ticket to the benefit of their safety and comfort.
F Ali Khan
Almost injured fan