The Reason The Liquidator Has Been Banned (Again)

By Scott Cooper
December 8 2002

As many would have noticed, The Wolves` pre-match entertainment `The Liquidator` as again been banned by the Police to the dismay of Wolves fans. Below is the cop of the letter which Chief Superintendent John Colston sent to Sir Jack regarding the banning of `The Liquidator`.

 21 November, 2002
"Dear Sir Jack
re: The 'Liquidator'
I am aware that my predecessor - Chief Superintendent Roger Alien - took issue with the playing of the'Liquidator'. I am sorry that the playing of the tune has resurrected itself and the foul language which is associated with it. I am certainly not a prude, but people do take exception to several thousand supporters screaming "F*** o** West Brom" at the top of their voices.
This Season we have seen the arrival of particularly nasty supporters under the name of 'Young Wolves'.That is why we are having to police every match. Even after the victory against Coventry City, they came back to the City Centre and caused mayhem. I am happy with the support that we are receiving from the Club in tackling the problems. Anything we can do to reduce tension at matches must be beneficial. I am
aware of letters to supporters, notices and messages on a web site appealing to supporters to not swear.The philosophy of the Football League is to 'clean up the anti-social behaviour associated with the game.'The playing of the 'Liquidator' undermines all of this; in fact, in my opinion it is sheer hypocrisy.
I feel it sad that with all the serious crime in Wolverhampton, I have to spend time composing a letter requesting that the record is not played at football matches. I really do have better things to do with my time. My understanding of the situation is that they play it at West Bromwich so why shouldn't we play it at
Wolverhampton Wanderers? My colleague, Chief Superintendent Gilbert, from West Bromwich will write to the Chairman of West Bromwich Albion Football Club requesting that they do not play it.
You have received 100% co-operation from myself in respect of policing over a number-of years, e.g. reducing charges wherever possible. The relationship between us has always been cordial. I therefore ask that the 'Liquidator' is no longer played. This is important, in order to reduce tension. The intelligence associated with the match to be played against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, clearly indicates that some form of
confrontation is planned between the 'yobs' that associate themselves with respectable Football Clubs.
Should you wish, I am more than happy to discuss the rationale with you personally as opposed to the rather impersonal medium of a letter.
Yours sincerely,

John Colston
Chief Superintendent


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