Kevin pays penalty for goal photo

Photo: Darren Robinson

Athletic fan Kevin Birkett: evicted from ground for taking photographs.

A 46-year Oldham Athletic fan has blasted rules that had him thrown out of last Saturday’s home game.

Athletic - like all league clubs - has a no-photography policy in the stadium and warn fans they will be asked to leave if they ignore it.

Season-ticket holder Kevin Birkett (54) fell foul of the rule when he was evicted at half-time after taking pictures of Latics forward Jonathan Forte’s winning penalty.

The grandfather-of-four - who has thousands of match pictures taken over many years - said: “I remember going to watch Latics 40 years ago and there was never anything like this.

“I don’t see why there is such a big issue now. They are for my own personal collection; I take my camera to every game.

“It’s not Latics I’m complaining about, it is football grounds in general. The atmosphere is being ruined by all the restrictions.”

Club officials say their hands are tied by Football League rules, and they could be fined if they allow pictures to be taken. The rules protect rights licensed to official photographers.

Kevin said: “As fans we are not treated with any respect and this really needs to change. Stewards need to be taught how to deal with people properly.”