Players & autographs: Safety a growing concern in WSL

Kingsmeadow - home of Chelsea Women - has a capacity of 4,850

The Women's Super League is growing and so is the need for heightened security – so what measures are being put in place to protects players and supporters?

Chelsea's decision to stop players giving autographs and photos at their Kingsmeadow ground was controversial.

They said it was "no longer safe or sustainable" to do so and they approached a fan advisory board and the supporters' group, who gave their approval.

Everton quickly followed suit, saying it was "no longer viable" because of the "increased risk for young supporters being caught up in sudden crowding" and exit routes becoming "blocked".

Last year, Manchester City introduced an organised autographs area with the club distributing just under 40 wristbands per home match to random supporters.

That is a method Manchester United are following this season, while other clubs are monitoring their situations and have not ruled out similar protocols.

With WSL players being so accessible before, there is some disappointment towards the changes, but clubs insist safety is at the forefront of their decisions.

'Football spotters' and GMP security - what's in place?

England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was among those signing autographs last season following Chelsea matches

It is not just clubs who are changing their approach to WSL matches.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP), who maintain frequent communication with Manchester City and Manchester United, are introducing "football spotters" this season.

These are additional, voluntary roles taken up by local officers who hope to provide more security and presence at stadiums where there are growing crowds.

"The women’s game is growing in popularity. You can see that with the growing attendances. It’s about time we recognised it as a police operation," Sergeant Jade Wells from GMP told BBC Sport. "It doesn’t need to alarm anybody.

"Unfortunately with bigger crowds, comes more risk of offences. We are putting the 'spotters' there to reassure fans that we are there to support them and that it’s a safe environment, like we would do in the men’s game.

"It’s also to reassure the players that we are there to protect them."

Wells acknowledges the demographic of crowds in the WSL is "different to the men's game" so the types of crimes are likely to differ.

For example, there have been arrests for a range of crimes in the Premier League such as alcohol-related violence, racist abuse and tragedy chanting.

GMP hopes that by having 'spotters' at games, fans at the WSL may be more willing to report sensitive crimes such as harrassment or discrimination.

Several 'spotters' are women, with Wells adding: "It’s important to show a female presence at the women’s game because sadly we do get, predominantly, different types of offences."

'Keeping bonds' versus 'bonkers requests' - autographs debate

Ayaka Yamashita with Manchester City fans following their victory over Brighton

GMP are one of several organisations who regularly communicate with WSL clubs to ensure security at matches.

However, it is ultimately the clubs' decision on whether they want to allow players to continue to sign autographs after matches.

Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor says it is "a difficult decision" for clubs to come to as they want to maintain the authenticity of the women's game.

City have several high-profile players in their squad including England internationals Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp, as well as Netherlands striker Vivianne Miedema and Japanese star Yui Hasegawa.

But having witnessed first-hand the growing crowds and pressure on players to make time for fans, Taylor supports City's controlled signing sessions.

"We try to do it now in a more guided way. We have a specific amount of players. We do an alleyway, where it's more controlled," said Taylor.

"Sometimes after games, you [would] ask security guards and they would say 'this is bonkers, we're going to have an accident one day'. So you see it from both sides."

Elsewhere, Tottenham are continuing to review the situation at their home ground Brisbane Road, while Arsenal are playing more games at the Emirates Stadium.

Spurs boss Robert Vilahamn said clubs "always need to check security for players" but insisted they have a "really good bond with fans" and they want to keep that.

There are mixed views among players.

England goalkeeper Mary Earps was one of the first to highlight the difficulty in keeping fans happy after receiving criticism for not signing an autograph in 2023.

Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze, who has played at Barcelona, Lyon and Manchester City in recent years, said the measures have been taken to keep the fans safe, as well as players.

"Not every stadium is ready for this volume of fans. The fans are used to having that reaction with players, which we love as well, but at the end of the day you can’t speak to every fan," said Bronze.

"We still have those interactions. Although I might not be signing [autographs] I still get to see them and that’s what I enjoy.

"Signing a piece of paper is nice, I get that, but I know when I was a fan I went to watch [ex-England international] Rachel Yankey and thought, ‘Whoa, this is amazing’.

"I didn’t need the picture and signature to go with that."

Mixed fans views: What you said about it

BBC Sport asked for fans views on Chelsea stopping players giving autographs:

One supporter, Bob Cheeseman, said it was "important for players to interact particularly with younger fans" as the game grows.

"Clubs can provide adequate security and stewards. The WSL and Women’s Championship is still growing and must continue to establish a fan base with the younger audience," he added.

Jeremy Francis: "While I understand the decision I am saddened by it. I guess the club has become a victim of its own success. I will have to treasure the pictures I got back in 2020, on a trip from my native Trinidad. It was always such a treat to get close to the players. But I understand that their safety is paramount."

Greg: "It is the right decision. It was getting farcical. People were getting out of their seats earlier and earlier to get a selfie. It was dangerous and they were spoiling it for others."

Amy: "I think this should be done at all women's games, the amount of begging is ridiculous. People paying ticket prices for a 'meet and greet', what happened to going and supporting your team?

David: "The abuse that players get for not stopping is ridiculous. It's not a meet and greet, no way the game can grow if players are expected to keep the same standards with fan interaction as 10 years ago."

Pret: "I think it is not a good idea to stop autographs. My friends and I have been a number of times and our favourite bit is the players coming round at the end and taking pictures with us! In all of our experiences this has been a very positive and responsible interaction and really makes our day and memories for life. Please rethink your choice and just say that if supporters abuse players or autographs they will be banned from the ground."