On Friday 9 September 2016, a lawyer acting on behalf of Bristol City fans who were wrongly issued a section 35 dispersal notice, started court proceedings against West Midlands Police.
Before the away game at Birmingham City on 12 September 2015, 51 Bristol City fans were prevented from attending the game and escorted straight to New Street station to return to Bristol. The Supporters Club & Trust and the supporters caught up in this believe this is wrong and are claiming false imprisonment and a breach of Article 5 of the European Convention of Human Rights.
The primary purpose of bringing this action is to ensure that future use of these dispersal powers is not abused by West Midlands Police and other forces around the country. We also aim to secure compensation for those affected.
The Supporters Club and Trust to date has paid for the action including legal and court fees. We believe this is fundamentally the role of a pro-active supporters group acting in the best interests of supporters.
+++ February 2018 update +++
Court papers served on West Midlands Police. Read more here