The English Football League has decided not to act over allegations that stewards made female fans show their bras during “grossly invasive” security searches.



At least 10 Grimsby Town supporters, including a 70-year-old woman, said that they had their bras checked by stewards at Stevenage football club at a match on 19 August.

It was claimed that some supporters even had their bras felt by the female stewards if they confirmed that they were underwired.

The disclosure prompted a debate on football clubs’ treatment of rival fans and is understood to have triggered complaints about invasive security checks on women at other stadiums in England.

The EFL announced on Wednesday it had conducted a “comprehensive review” of the allegations and concluded that there had been no breach of its regulations.

The body said it had received detailed observations from both clubs and decided that “no specific action” should be taken.

An EFL spokesman declined to expand on how it had come to this conclusion, or whether it had viewed CCTV footage from the ground or taken evidence from supporters and other witnesses.

How EFL can say asking female supporters to lift their tops to show their bras does not break their rules is astounding Mariners Trust spokesperson

Kristine Green, Grimsby Town’s supporters liaison officer and a board member of the fans’ group the Mariners Trust, said she was disappointed with the findings and that the EFL statement had been “thrust upon us late in the day”.

A trust spokesperson said: “The Mariners Trust is bitterly disappointed with the outcome of the review undertaken by the EFL and reaffirms our view the Football League has no regard for lower league clubs and their supporters.



“How the EFL can say asking female supporters to lift their tops and show their bras does not break their rules is astounding. The EFL has not denied the incidents took place, which makes their judgment even more laughable.”

In a brief statement on the outcome of its investigation, the EFL urged supporters to contact the Independent Football Ombudsman as well as the EFL and clubs in the event of future concerns.

It said: “The EFL will continue to work with all its clubs to ensure that attending matches remains an enjoyable, positive experience for supporters and, to assist, will be issuing updated guidance regarding a number of safety, security and stewarding matters.

“In addition, supporters are reminded that dedicated channels exist at all clubs and the EFL to ensure that there are professional and approachable points of contact to report any complaints or issues of concern. Details are available via a club’s or the EFL’s supporters’ charter.”

In August, Stevenage FC said it had tightened security at the game over concerns that prohibited items may be smuggled into the ground by women or children.

It said the stewarding at the game in question was “not typical”, because it believed “high-risk groups” would be attending, with the potential for trouble.

Amanda Jacks, the Football Supporters’ Federation caseworker, said: “It’s relatively unusual for the EFL to carry out investigations of this sort and we’re grateful for them having done so.

“The statement appears to invite people to read between the lines, and given that it practically invites supporters to follow complaints procedures and gives the ombudsman’s details we would encourage those affected by stewarding, not just at Stevenage but at any club, to follow that route and I would be delighted to assist them in doing so.”