FURIOUS Hull City fans are to take legal action if West Yorkshire Police go ahead with plans to force them to travel to Huddersfield on official coaches.
The Football Supporters' Federation (FSF) has received more than 100 emails since West Yorkshire Police announced Tigers' fans would have to travel to the derby on official coaches from the city.
The match was originally set for 12.30pm on March 30, but kick-off has now been changed to 5.20pm because the match is to be televised on Sky Sports.
Amanda Jacks, director of case work for the FSF, which represents the rights of fans in England and Wales, said: "The amount of emails from Hull City fans has been unprecedented – it is the most we have ever received. The emails are from ordinary, decent, law-abiding families.
"We've had emails from supporters who are travelling from Spain and Norway to the game, whose plans have been scuppered because they have got to go to Hull to pick up an official coach.
"There are also fans who live in Huddersfield who are having to go to Hull to pick up a coach to take them back to Huddersfield.
"A client has spoken to a solicitor. Legal action is a serious step and is a last resort.
"I hope we can come up with an amicable resolution."
More on the Huddersfield tickets row
Hull City have been allocated 1,500 tickets for the Championship clash at the John Smith's Stadium, which can hold 4,000 away fans. West Yorkshire Police argue the sanctions are needed for public safety. The same fixture at the KC Stadium earlier this season passed without incident. Superintendent Ged McManus, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "We have asked for these restrictions to enable us to control the amount of fans attending the match and reduce the level of alcohol consumption, therefore decreasing any risk to the wider public in Huddersfield and reducing the cost of policing such a match for West Yorkshire residents." According to figures released by the FSF in the whole of last season, not one Hull fan was arrested for an alcohol-related offence. Andy Dalton, editor of the Amber Nectar fanzine, has missed just two away games in 13 years. He said: "It is up to every individual, but I won't be going to Huddersfield with these restrictions in place. It is the principle. "What sort of message does it send out about West Yorkshire Police's view of us? "City fans have behaved impeccably this season, yet West Yorkshire Police appear to regard us as nothing but potential hooligans, fit only to have our numbers and movements heavily restricted." West Yorkshire Police tried to impose similar sanctions in 2005 when City played Leeds at Elland Road, but the decision was eventually over-ruled. Nick Thompson, Hull City's managing director, said: "Every opportunity to negotiate a better deal for our fans has been taken."
More on the Huddersfield tickets row
• Huddersfield tickets: Hull City fans victims of police cuts, says Karl Turner
• Hull City and Huddersfield fans unite to condemn ticket restrictions
• Angry fans could ask Hull City to challenge Huddersfield travel ruling
• Hull City fans face ticket restrictions after Huddersfield match moved for Sky Sports
Hull City have been allocated 1,500 tickets for the Championship clash at the John Smith's Stadium, which can hold 4,000 away fans. West Yorkshire Police argue the sanctions are needed for public safety. The same fixture at the KC Stadium earlier this season passed without incident. Superintendent Ged McManus, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "We have asked for these restrictions to enable us to control the amount of fans attending the match and reduce the level of alcohol consumption, therefore decreasing any risk to the wider public in Huddersfield and reducing the cost of policing such a match for West Yorkshire residents." According to figures released by the FSF in the whole of last season, not one Hull fan was arrested for an alcohol-related offence. Andy Dalton, editor of the Amber Nectar fanzine, has missed just two away games in 13 years. He said: "It is up to every individual, but I won't be going to Huddersfield with these restrictions in place. It is the principle. "What sort of message does it send out about West Yorkshire Police's view of us? "City fans have behaved impeccably this season, yet West Yorkshire Police appear to regard us as nothing but potential hooligans, fit only to have our numbers and movements heavily restricted." West Yorkshire Police tried to impose similar sanctions in 2005 when City played Leeds at Elland Road, but the decision was eventually over-ruled. Nick Thompson, Hull City's managing director, said: "Every opportunity to negotiate a better deal for our fans has been taken."
