Huddersfield Police Apologise

Superintendent Hibbert of Huddersfield Police has issued an apology to Donny Dog relating to the Doncaster Rovers fixture versus Huddersfield Town on 4 March.

The Match Commander of the fixture refused the popular Doncaster Mascot entry into the ground based on police intelligence.



The letter reads:

5 May 2006

Dear Mr. Liney,

Firstly may I thank you and your wife for the hospitality you showed to Inspector Ogilvie and myself today. I do hope that by meeting face to face we are able to bring the unfortunate circumstances following your visit to Huddersfield to a close.

On the day of the Huddersfield Town versus Doncaster Rovers fixture a decision was taken by the Police Commander to deny access to the ground of the away team mascot - on this occasion Donny Dog - a costume worn by yourself. The decision was based upon some earlier disorder in Huddersfield Town Centre and some confidential intelligence in respect of disorder. However this was communicated, it was not based upon any information in relation to yourself personally or Donny Dog.

I am now aware that you attempted to reach an agreement whereby you removed part of the costume and would sit with the Doncaster Rovers Supporters. Though reasonable your offer was, it was not accepted by the on duty Police Commander, Chief Inspector Mohayuddin.

Whilst not making any judgement on the decision(s) taken by Chief Inspector Mohayuddin, I feel that we could have taken time to speak to you directly and explain our policing rationale. This would have had dual consequences - firstly you would have had an accurate explanation and reassurance that the decision was based on matters other than your conduct, and secondly, you would have had the opportunity to make your own representations. Please accept my apology that this did not take place.

In conclusion, a decision was taken to exclude the away team mascot - yourself - for sound operational reasons which were not in any way linked to your own behaviour on the day or at previous fixtures. In my eyes your character should be regarded as unblemished. I truly regret any embarrassment this incident has caused you. Additionally, an erroneous statement was made to the media regarding your conduct at a previous game. Again to reaffirm, our decisions have not made for anything other than real-time 'on the day' issues. Your previous conduct is not in question.

I am happy for you to use the content of this letter as part of the reassurance of other cubs and organisations in respect of your duties as Doncaster Rovers club mascot.

Yours sincerely,

Nigel T. Hibbert,

Superintendent Operations,

Kirklees Division



Donny Dog now feels as a result of the police visit and this subsequent written apology, that he has now been completely exonerated.

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