No action against club after complaints that match stewards 'asked female fans to show their bras'
The EFL has confirmed "no specific action" will be taken following complaints stewards at Stevenage behaved inappropriately by asking some female Grimsby fans to show their bras as a security measure.
Following the game at the Lamex Stadium in August, the Mariners Trust wrote to both clubs, the Football Association and a number of police forces in wake of the allegations.
According to the Trust, several female supporters were asked to lift their tops up to show their bras to female stewards. A further claim said female stewards had asked to check if bras were underwired.
Full-body searches were allegedly carried out by stewards on children as young as five, while the Mariners Trust claims the presence of a female steward placed in the male toilets, a facility also used by minors, raises ''significant safeguarding issues''.
Sky Bet League Two club Stevenage had denied any inappropriate incidents took place, and revealed their pre-match risk assessment gave management at the Lamex Stadium reason to believe there was ''the potential for anti-social and uncooperative behaviour'' from a ''high-risk group attending''.
However, this afternoon, the EFL confirmed the governing body's investigation had now been concluded without the need for specifics to be addressed.
The EFL, though, added it would be "issuing updated guidance regarding a number of safety, security and stewarding matters."
A statement from the EFL read: "Following a comprehensive review of events alleged to have taken place prior to the League Two fixture between Stevenage and Grimsby Town on Saturday 19th August, the EFL has now given due consideration to the complaint raised in respect of the stewarding operation on the day.
"On receipt of detailed observations from both clubs, the EFL can confirm that no specific action is to be taken under its rules.
"The EFL will, however, 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.
"Alternatively, all supporters have the right to contact the Independent Football Ombudsman (IFO) who are accredited as an Approved Alternate Dispute Resolution Body.
"The EFL notes the co-operation received in this matter and in particular would like to thank both the management teams at Stevenage and Grimsby Town for their assistance."
