In a recent interview with the BBC, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley highlighted the need for football clubs to contribute towards the £70 million cost of policing their matches in the UK. Sir Mark questioned why event organizers, who require significant police support for security, do not bear the financial burden, advocating for a 'polluter pays' approach.

Police Reforms and Funding Challenges

Sir Mark's comments come as he pushes for radical police reforms, including reducing the number of police forces in England and Wales from 43 to 12-15. He argued that the current model, established in the 1960s, is no longer fit for purpose and hinders the effective confrontation of modern threats. Bigger police forces, he believes, would better utilize modern technology and reduce inefficiencies.

The £70M Policing Cost

A significant portion of the £70 million policing cost is attributed to Premier League matches. Sir Mark emphasized that local communities should not bear this financial burden, stating, 'Why isn't the organiser paying for that, rather than local communities who lose their resources to go to football matches?'

Previous Proposals and Criticism

This proposal is not new. The head of the UK's football policing unit previously suggested similar measures, which were met with criticism from sports bodies. Critics argue that such a move could threaten events and lead to increased ticket prices.

The Path Forward

Sir Mark stressed that police reform is essential, especially given the substantial drop in funding for policing and public safety over the past decade. He remains committed to improving the daily experiences of Londoners on the streets, focusing ruthlessly on police work to make the best use of every pound allocated by the government.

Conclusion

As the debate over fair funding for policing continues, Sir Mark's call for football clubs to share the financial burden highlights the need for a more equitable approach to resource allocation in public safety.