An update is given on the police officer who left a 16 year old fan bloodied by a baton to the head, and it’s left social media users reeling.
The incident, which took place after Sheffield Wednesday drew 1-1 at Barnsley, started off with two lads scrapping, only for an officer to run in and hits one in the head.
Passers by looked on with horror at seeing such shocking actions taken towards the youngster, who was left hurt, bloodied and in a daze.
“He’s injured, he’s injured” is what another officer could be heard saying as the ground also got a covering of blood also.
A second copper allegedly smashed a phone of another person that was filming what had they had just witnessed.
Get this shared about #barnsleyfc #swfc, @syptweet absolute disgrace!! Lad doesn’t look older than 16 and been smashed around head by an officer ? pic.twitter.com/V5SaRm7pCN
— Caitlin (@caitlindenton01) February 8, 2020
Sheffield Wednesday haven’t commented publicly on what happened, but it’s claimed that they are concerned that South Yorkshire police, despite launching a new “neighbourhood policing approach” to football in the summer, are still being too heavy handed.
The Football League are funding research this season into a project called “Enable,” which promotes the more progressive approach to policing matches and has suggested that officers equipped for riot or disorder control is often excessive and counterproductive.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched an investigation into the incident and advised the officer that he is the subject of a criminal investigation, whilst also been investigated for possible gross misconduct.
South Yorkshire Police have revealed the officer is still working for the force, but on restricted duties.
In a statement, they said: “Pending the outcome of the IOPC’s criminal and misconduct investigations, and in line with force procedure, the officer has been placed on restricted duties.
“We have launched an independent investigation and advised a South Yorkshire Police officer that he is subject of a criminal investigation in relation to an incident following the Barnsley v Sheffield Wednesday football match on February 8, 2020.
“We will also investigate the officer for gross misconduct.
“The investigation is in its initial stages and us launching a criminal investigation does not mean that charges will necessarily follow.”
IOPC Regional Director, David Ford, said: “We understand why the images that were circulated caused considerable public concern. After the footage was shared on social media, a mandatory referral was made to us in relation to the conduct of the officer.
“It is vitally important that the circumstances of the incident are subject to an independent investigation so we can fully understand what happened and impartially determine the facts.
“We have already begun to gather evidence, but would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident.”
Witnesses or anyone with information should send an email to midlandstreet@policeconduct.gov.uk or call the IOPC on 0800 0969076.
Fans were left unhappy after finding out the update given on police officer who left 16 year old fan bloodied after the Championship fixture…
Restricted duties? He committed assault on. A member of a public with a weapon. He should be dismissed from all duties. I detest football fans causing trouble however there are ways and means to deal with this and this is Not the way. I hope the family lodge a complaint.
— Natalie (@Natalie30163876) February 21, 2020
Restricted duties till it ‘blows over’ absolute jokers!!
— andy ward (@kinkwadze) February 21, 2020
Any news on whether charges have been dropped against his Dad for defending his son from the attack?
— Nigel Short (@nigel_short) February 21, 2020
I'm shocked, that I'm not shocked by this decision! (If that makes sense). Full suspension from the off (with pay). Once found guilty (which he is) pay has to be returned, & loss of job (stripped of any pensions also) & due before the courts to face the music like "Joe public."
— keiron wilcock (@keiron1972) February 21, 2020
Only restricted duties he should be full on suspended without pay for the assault on the young lad then dismissed never to work in the police or any form of law enforcement again !!!! Shocking decision ???
— Swoid (@swiddoy76) February 21, 2020
This could also be worded as…
Give it a few months everyone will have forgot about it
Joke
— Mat Coll (@ColliverM) February 21, 2020
Other way round lad would a been arrested remanded on the Saturday until Monday and dealt with Monday morning by the courts for assault GBH…! Fines locked up suspended sentence etc etc and a 3 year football banning order! Pathetic
— Richard Mangham (@teddyatswfc) February 21, 2020
Disgrace again by SYP
— Finlay Derbyshire (@FinlayDerbyshi3) February 21, 2020
? he should be in jail.
— Chris Packet (@ChrisPacket16) February 21, 2020
I smell another cover up on the horizon pic.twitter.com/Dvr42WXb7k
— Brandon (@brannyy_) February 21, 2020
Please can someone explain why he hasn't been sacked and prosecuted. The police are not above the law.
— Jon Chalk (@Jon_Chalk1) February 21, 2020
Funny way of saying 'let off'…
— Jim (@_Jamerzh_) February 21, 2020
As predicted SYP looking after their own again. He should have been suspended right from the start. No evidence will be found against him and he’ll be back on the streets before long.
— alan (@alanastonowl) February 21, 2020
— Scottrodgers1991 (@STR19911) February 21, 2020
What a joke!
— Adam Buckley (@BUCKO_1910) February 21, 2020
Wow I’d be locked up if I did that double standards at its finest
— scott cain (@scottcain13) February 21, 2020
Absolute bent as fuck the lot of em. He should be sacked and never working in the police force again. Utter joke syp!!
— Danny Booth (@owlzmadboothy) February 21, 2020
@syptweet disgusting. Such a disgrace. So what your saying to your officers is do what you want you will be fine. So does that mean us people should also be ready to fight back if this is the case. We won't be bullied. Shocking outcome this. He could have killed him ?
— Michael (@AddinellMichael) February 21, 2020
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