An update has been given on the police officer who disgustingly left a 16 year old fan bloodied by a baton to the head last season.
The incident, which took place after Sheffield Wednesday drew 1-1 at Barnsley in the 2019/20 campaign, started off with two lads scrapping, only for an officer to run in and hit a youngster in the head.
Passers-by looked on with horror at seeing such shocking actions taken towards the fan, 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.
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
Warren Wright said on Facebook: I saw the whole incident, the copper must have run 50 yards and had time to think about the situation.
“He could have quite easily hit him below the head, that was calculated, he knew exactly what he was doing.
“I insisted to another copper that I wanted to report an assault and got told to go away. PC 3139 will get away with it, SYP corrupt to the core.”
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At the time, Sheffield Wednesday chose not to comment 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 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.
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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.”
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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.
UPDATE ON THE POLICE OFFICER WHO LET FAN BLOODIED:
Police Constable William Sampson, 26, has been charged following an incident after the Barnsley – Sheffield Wednesday fixture.
He will appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on the 2nd of December charged with unlawful and malicious wounding in relation to an altercation in Midland Street, Barnsley on the 8th of February.
The incident was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which investigates the most serious complaints against police in England and Wales.
The IOPC completed its investigation in August and referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which made the decision to charge PC Sampson.
He was placed on restricted duties pending the outcome of the IOPC’s criminal and misconduct investigations.
It is not known if PC Sampson is still working for the force.
Fans reacted as an update was given on a police officer who left a fan bloodied by a baton to the head…
About time. 10 months to decide that clubbing a kid over the head is a chargeable offence, ridiculous.
— Sean White (@SeanWhite15) November 12, 2020
Good.about time.hope he gets 10yrs.
— Steven Feeney (@StevenFeeney19) November 12, 2020
Where does he think he is, the USA?
— Spiderbones (@ddaardvark) November 12, 2020
Did it really take that long to investigate this!?
— Mohammed F Uddin (@uddin_mo) November 12, 2020
Hope they throw book at him
— dan? (@__danknight__) November 12, 2020
GOOD.!!!!!!!! Hopefully he’ll get sacked too.!
— North Yorkshire Owls (@NorthYorksOwls) November 12, 2020
Sacked, no pension & prison all that the bully deserves
— gatelad ???????? (@albert_55) November 12, 2020
Good to see that the wheels of justice are turning on this incident, albeit a little slowly.
— Mark Blagden (@marble23_) November 12, 2020
Good. Hope he gets locked up.
— Andy Nightingale (@Mat_Man_Miracle) November 12, 2020
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