Bag Limit Size Ban at The Valley
Comments
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First they came for the large bags to prevent large bombscafcfan said:
I don't know - it's your joke.TootingRedArmy said:If bag searches are done ...what is difference between a A4 bag : rucksack and a normal rucksack search?
But seriously, this stuff is worked out on the basis that in all probability the security staff find the task of searching bags boring in the extreme and won't do it properly.
Excluding large bag sizes is an easy and foolproof way of ensuring that large explosive devices do not get in the building. 10 kg of military grade explosives can take down a multi-story building and kill everyone within a 35m radius. 1kg only kills within a 5-10m radius and the building probably survives. That's a big difference in the numbers of dead supporters.
Also the larger the bag the longer it takes to search creating queues and pressure as kick-off time approaches.
Is it rubbish and is it a real drag for supporters? Yes it is but the alternative doesn't bear thinking about. We're going to have to suck it up.
As usual, it would have helped if the club had communicated something about it in a prominent way with an explanation as to why the restriction was being imposed. But they didn't. It's going to be a right bastard for the kitman....
People do ridiculous things balancing cost vs effectiveness to attempt to minimise risk and the results are not always very sensible. Many years ago my employer was exploring ways of reducing damage from bomb blasts outside the building. The recommended answer was to install a clear film on the windows and use special tear-resistant net curtains one and a half times the drop of the window. The surplus curtain was weighted and lived in a box on the window sill. The concept being that the film would stop the glass from shattering into shards and the curtain/box would retain all the larger pieces so they wouldn't fly around the offices.
My employer was happy to pay for the window film but not the curtains and boxes. The end result being that in the event of an explosion, instead of staff getting small pieces of glass stuck in their face they would all be decapitated by lots of large panes hurtling through the office at high velocity. You pay your money you take your choice.
Then they came for the small bags to prevent small bombs
Finally they came for the West Stand Car Park season ticket holders to prevent car bombs3 -
A4 is a strange bag size regardless of the justification.How many people have a bag that small to carry what you’d reasonably think people might need/take to a match?I guess it’s a convenient size to quote as most can visualise it and it’s easier therefore to enforce if they choose to.1
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I agree. I emailed fans@cafc.co.uk and got a response back from safetyteam@cafc.co.uk, so I assume it's quicker to email the latter.DaveMehmet said:Got no issue with the policy itself but concerned about how you get an exemption. It’s already not been communicated well and can’t see how you apply for one.
They did at one of the away games last season. I believe it was Millwall, but I could be wrong.TootingRedArmy said:I don’t think the stewards will have rulers or tape measures or there will be airport size boxes to check exact A4 measurements, this bag is fine I use similar at other venues.
This is at least the third time there's been an announcement regarding it this season.cafcfan said:
As usual, it would have helped if the club had communicated something about it in a prominent way with an explanation as to why the restriction was being imposed. But they didn't. It's going to be a right bastard for the kitman....0 -
That's a bummer I was going to make my car boot available as a left luggage option - for a small fee (plus 10% for my agent) of course.MrOneLung said:
First they came for the large bags to prevent large bombscafcfan said:
I don't know - it's your joke.TootingRedArmy said:If bag searches are done ...what is difference between a A4 bag : rucksack and a normal rucksack search?
But seriously, this stuff is worked out on the basis that in all probability the security staff find the task of searching bags boring in the extreme and won't do it properly.
Excluding large bag sizes is an easy and foolproof way of ensuring that large explosive devices do not get in the building. 10 kg of military grade explosives can take down a multi-story building and kill everyone within a 35m radius. 1kg only kills within a 5-10m radius and the building probably survives. That's a big difference in the numbers of dead supporters.
Also the larger the bag the longer it takes to search creating queues and pressure as kick-off time approaches.
Is it rubbish and is it a real drag for supporters? Yes it is but the alternative doesn't bear thinking about. We're going to have to suck it up.
As usual, it would have helped if the club had communicated something about it in a prominent way with an explanation as to why the restriction was being imposed. But they didn't. It's going to be a right bastard for the kitman....
People do ridiculous things balancing cost vs effectiveness to attempt to minimise risk and the results are not always very sensible. Many years ago my employer was exploring ways of reducing damage from bomb blasts outside the building. The recommended answer was to install a clear film on the windows and use special tear-resistant net curtains one and a half times the drop of the window. The surplus curtain was weighted and lived in a box on the window sill. The concept being that the film would stop the glass from shattering into shards and the curtain/box would retain all the larger pieces so they wouldn't fly around the offices.
My employer was happy to pay for the window film but not the curtains and boxes. The end result being that in the event of an explosion, instead of staff getting small pieces of glass stuck in their face they would all be decapitated by lots of large panes hurtling through the office at high velocity. You pay your money you take your choice.
Then they came for the small bags to prevent small bombs
Finally they came for the West Stand Car Park season ticket holders to prevent car bombs1 -
That sounds like a non-argument to me then, anyone with that much explosive could do the damage from outside in the street.cafcfan said:
...10 kg of military grade explosives can take down a multi-story building and kill everyone within a 35m radius. 1kg only kills within a 5-10m radius and the building probably survives. That's a big difference in the numbers of dead supporters...TootingRedArmy said:If bag searches are done ...what is difference between a A4 bag : rucksack and a normal rucksack search?9 -
The whole A4 business is nonsense anyway. A4 is a two-dimensional size. Bags are, by their very nature, three-dimensional.gringo said:10 -
I'm really pissed off with this. I often travel to the valley before or after visiting my Mum in her care home Greenhithe and need to carry stuff for her. The medium sized rucksack I use fits easily under my seat and doesn't inconvenience anyone.
Won't put me off renewing my season ticket by itself but would certainly be a factor.
Also feel sorry for away fans travelling long distances.5 -
Back in the Prem days, went to an evening game after work and was cutting it a bit fine time wise.
Managed to get parked in Ruston Road and was about halfway to the ground when I put my hands in my jacket pockets to keep them warm, only to find a Stanley knife, 2 screwdrivers and various other sharp objects.
As I was near the park, I stashed them in a bush and happily they were still there on the way back.
They would've all fitted in an A4 size bag though.
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Are the cars in the car park checked for explosives? Imagine the damage a car bomb could do...Stig said:
That sounds like a non-argument to me then, anyone with that much explosive could do the damage from outside in the street.cafcfan said:
...10 kg of military grade explosives can take down a multi-story building and kill everyone within a 35m radius. 1kg only kills within a 5-10m radius and the building probably survives. That's a big difference in the numbers of dead supporters...TootingRedArmy said:If bag searches are done ...what is difference between a A4 bag : rucksack and a normal rucksack search?5 -
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I didn't even spell extension right, let alone type exemptionvalleynick66 said:
To A3? 😉😀PrincessFiona said:
can you apply for an extention? This is so ridiculously unfair on people going directly from work. How is it ok to take in a larger bag but only if it is from the store?Rob7Lee said:Thanks for pointing this out, I hadn't spotted it, no midweek games for me then as if I do get there I have to come from work and aren't getting all my stuff in a bag smaller than A4! - do I get a refund on my season ticket for those games? Let me guess..........
Bag drop seems a good idea, but not sure I'd trust leaving a few grands worth of stuff there....5 -
Will no one think about the players? 😉😀
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How are the West Standers going to get their Bovril flasks and meat paste sandwiches into an A4 bag?0
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Cut the crusts off.SantaClaus said:How are the West Standers going to get their Bovril flasks and meat paste sandwiches into an A4 bag?9 -
And what about their knee blankets when the weather starts to turn?0
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And for the Millwall game what are we going to carry our supplies in for the expedition around the local area before trekking back to the train station?3
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AudiChunes said:Does anyone know if by A4-sized do they mean portrait or landscape?5 -
No problem, I'll just take 3 A4 sized bags with me instead of one large bag. Apologies to those fans stuck behind me while each one is thoroughly searched !5
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Heard there was some 'handbags' between Derby and Charlton yoof on Floyd Road post match tbfOff_it said:Love this bit:Only bags that meet the following criteria will be allowed into the stadium:
- Maximum size: A4 (21cm x 29.7cm / 8.3in x 11.7in) and must be soft-sided and flexible where possible. For example, small handbags, tote bags (A4 or smaller) or small backpacks (within A4 dimensions). Club-branded Charlton Athletic bags, which can be purchased from The Valley Superstore, are permitted. Plastic/paper bags issued with every purchase in The Valley Superstore will meet the criteria. You must not put any personal bags that do not meet the criteria into these bags.
That's such devious and badly worded bullshit. Clearly the bags issued by the club shop don't "meet the criteria" because they are bigger than A4. But what they really mean is, "As long as you've bought stuff with us we will turn a blind eye".
What's the reason for the "ban"? Aside from the "for your security and safety" waffle. Have peoples bags been offering out away fans bags and organising tear-ups outside the ground?
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My cycling musettes will probably be ok and can take a surprising amount of stuff.1
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A few years back when YTS Jnr was just a little man I needed to bring a rucksack with various bits. He insisted on bringing his cuddly toy orangutan with him which was quite large. I was carrying the bag obvs and got searched at the Curbs Stand entrance. The girls thought it was hilarious and both me and my boy were pretty embarrassed! Burstow scored that day and I remember getting the orangutan out of the bag and my boy waving him around celebrating! Here he is in transit ha! We beat Fleetwood 2 nil. Dark days.cafcfan said:At the bag check area in the main reception for the last home match, the security guy seemed to think it was hilarious that Mrs cafcfan had a Sweep glove puppet in her bag.
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https://www.cafc.co.uk/news/matchday-info-charlton-v-preston-north-end
Bag policy
At the end of last season, the club introduced a trial bag policy aimed at enhancing safety and security and streamlining supporter entry to the stadium. Following the trial, the policy has been implemented for the 2026/27 season. Click here to read the policy in full.
Reusable, transparent bags are available to purchase in the club shop, priced at 80p, allowing supporters to bring their belongings or newly purchased merchandise into the stadium in these bags.
As this is the first full season of the policy, the club will work with supporters who bring luggage and bags to the upcoming fixture against Preston North End. Fans requiring a medical exemption or wishing to bring additional luggage are encouraged to email safetyteam@cafc.co.uk by 6pm on Friday evening. For all future matches, there will be an online exemption form available on the club website that supporters can fill out no later than 48 hours before matchdays.
A temporary bag storage facility will be available for the upcoming fixture against Queens Park Rangers, with a permanent solution to be introduced in due course.
The club will monitor the process and work with supporters should changes be required.
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Are we allowed to bring in liquids if they are in a clear plastic bottle and under 100ml?shirty5 said:https://www.cafc.co.uk/news/matchday-info-charlton-v-preston-north-endBag policy
At the end of last season, the club introduced a trial bag policy aimed at enhancing safety and security and streamlining supporter entry to the stadium. Following the trial, the policy has been implemented for the 2026/27 season. Click here to read the policy in full.
Reusable, transparent bags are available to purchase in the club shop, priced at 80p, allowing supporters to bring their belongings or newly purchased merchandise into the stadium in these bags.
As this is the first full season of the policy, the club will work with supporters who bring luggage and bags to the upcoming fixture against Preston North End. Fans requiring a medical exemption or wishing to bring additional luggage are encouraged to email safetyteam@cafc.co.uk by 6pm on Friday evening. For all future matches, there will be an online exemption form available on the club website that supporters can fill out no later than 48 hours before matchdays.
A temporary bag storage facility will be available for the upcoming fixture against Queens Park Rangers, with a permanent solution to be introduced in due course.
The club will monitor the process and work with supporters should changes be required.
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Let's take a second to reminisce about our greatest rucksack moments at The Valley. I think mine occurred about four or five years ago when I managed to get an entire large mason jar of fish stock that I was taking to my friend's house afterwards to cook him and his wife a risotto with through customs4
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I had also been hoping to attend tomorrow's cricket match with no cricket bag but merely a rucksack containing my whites and shoes and then abscond to The Valley as soon as the game is rained off, but now I see I can't even do that. I will have to wear my whites to the game or something4
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how are larger bags from the shop ok? Are they a lesser risk because no one would use one to put anything of risk in one? It's not like it's like buying liquids airside at an airport after securityYTS1978 said:
Heard there was some 'handbags' between Derby and Charlton yoof on Floyd Road post match tbfOff_it said:Love this bit:Only bags that meet the following criteria will be allowed into the stadium:
- Maximum size: A4 (21cm x 29.7cm / 8.3in x 11.7in) and must be soft-sided and flexible where possible. For example, small handbags, tote bags (A4 or smaller) or small backpacks (within A4 dimensions). Club-branded Charlton Athletic bags, which can be purchased from The Valley Superstore, are permitted. Plastic/paper bags issued with every purchase in The Valley Superstore will meet the criteria. You must not put any personal bags that do not meet the criteria into these bags.
That's such devious and badly worded bullshit. Clearly the bags issued by the club shop don't "meet the criteria" because they are bigger than A4. But what they really mean is, "As long as you've bought stuff with us we will turn a blind eye".
What's the reason for the "ban"? Aside from the "for your security and safety" waffle. Have peoples bags been offering out away fans bags and organising tear-ups outside the ground?3 -
do wear your pads, cap/helmet etc for full effectLeuth said:I had also been hoping to attend tomorrow's cricket match with no cricket bag but merely a rucksack containing my whites and shoes and then abscond to The Valley as soon as the game is rained off, but now I see I can't even do that. I will have to wear my whites to the game or something3 -
does this apply to away fans too who may not know and/or who may have brought more than an A4 sized bag with them as stying over a night or more?shirty5 said:https://www.cafc.co.uk/news/matchday-info-charlton-v-preston-north-endBag policy
At the end of last season, the club introduced a trial bag policy aimed at enhancing safety and security and streamlining supporter entry to the stadium. Following the trial, the policy has been implemented for the 2026/27 season. Click here to read the policy in full.
Reusable, transparent bags are available to purchase in the club shop, priced at 80p, allowing supporters to bring their belongings or newly purchased merchandise into the stadium in these bags.
As this is the first full season of the policy, the club will work with supporters who bring luggage and bags to the upcoming fixture against Preston North End. Fans requiring a medical exemption or wishing to bring additional luggage are encouraged to email safetyteam@cafc.co.uk by 6pm on Friday evening. For all future matches, there will be an online exemption form available on the club website that supporters can fill out no later than 48 hours before matchdays.
A temporary bag storage facility will be available for the upcoming fixture against Queens Park Rangers, with a permanent solution to be introduced in due course.
The club will monitor the process and work with supporters should changes be required.
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Update from the club included in matchday info:
Bag policy
At the end of last season, the club introduced a trial bag policy aimed at enhancing safety and security and streamlining supporter entry to the stadium. Following the trial, the policy has been implemented for the 2026/27 season. Click here to read the policy in full.
Reusable, transparent bags are available to purchase in the club shop, priced at 80p, allowing supporters to bring their belongings or newly purchased merchandise into the stadium in these bags.
As this is the first full season of the policy, the club will work with supporters who bring luggage and bags to the upcoming fixture against Preston North End. Fans requiring a medical exemption or wishing to bring additional luggage are encouraged to email safetyteam@cafc.co.uk by 6pm on Friday evening. For all future matches, there will be an online exemption form available on the club website that supporters can fill out no later than 48 hours before matchdays.
A temporary bag storage facility will be available for the upcoming fixture against Queens Park Rangers, with a permanent solution to be introduced in due course.
The club will monitor the process and work with supporters should changes be required.
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