The 1980’s were not only an era of progression on the pitch but an era of regression off it. Hooliganism was a weekly occurrence on a Saturday afternoon. Feral rival fans having pitched battles on the terraces. With battles continuing in the surrounding streets of games across the country. Chelsea Chairman, Ken Bates had a shocking solution to football hooliganism on the terraces however – electric fences.
His amazing solution was his answer to violence following the 1985 Milk Cup tie between Chelsea and Sunderland. With the FA indicating that at least £40,000 needed to be spent on Stamford Bridge for ground improvements.
An Electric Solution
Unsurprisingly, Bates had other ideas. Especially his over-the-top solution to combat football hooliganism. Erecting a 10ft high fence was extreme to say the least. Bates deemed that adding a section of barbed wire on top it was the “ultimate deterrent”.
For some Chairman that would have been enough. Ken Bates never did just enough. His final plan was to add an electric section of fencing on top of the barbed wire. Yes you read it right – Bates wanted to install an electric fence at Stamford Bridge.
“People may howl about it being dangerous but it’s been used in farming for a long time. Any fan touching the fence will immediately have to let go and fall 15ft.”
Ken Bates
Bates was immediately met with derisory comments and criticism. Some calling his solution “Goalditz”. Only London counterparts Millwall seemed to be onside with Bates. The London club admitting they had also looked into the electric fence solution.
Media Approval ?
Bates needed to get approval before he could unleash his new proposal on the paying public. Initially from the Greater London Council. To aid this he organised a media day. The idea was to showcase his new proposal. If he could get the media onside then maybe the Council would approve his application. Bates plan once agreement was reached was a quick installation. Hopefully for the forthcoming home game against Spurs.
Unbeknown to Bates, the Greater London Council had already quashed the idea of installing an electric fence. Chelsea had orders to stop all work on the electric fence installation within 24 hours. His media love-in was to serve no purpose. The council’s decision perplexed the enigmatic Bates .
“all this concern that a few soccer hooligans might get their fingers burnt trying to scale the fences at Stamford Bridge.”
ken bates
Bring Down the Fences !
Bates formally appealed against the GLC’s decision. With no public backing he relented. As a result, a month later the fences were gone.
It was the last time electric fences were discussed as a possible deterrent.
The issue of football hooliganism didn’t go away. Trouble on the terraces continued on a weekly basis across Europe.
Despite the ludicrousy some Chairman still sided with Bates’ electric fence solution.
However, in realistic terms it was never really a viable option.
The majority of football Chairman, and intermediaries saw it as a shocking solution to football hooliganism.
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