Anti-social behaviour could cost us promotion!
Scunthorpe United Football Club would like to reaffirm to supporters about our zero-tolerance policy with regards to anti-social behaviour.
A number of incidents were reported to the Football Association last season, with a charge brought against the club for misconduct in relation to failing to control spectators in the encounter against Chester on March 2nd, 2024 at the Attis Arena.
Incidents occurred during the fixture, including pitch incursions and assault which could have a severe detrimental effect to the football club, with the penalties sanctioned against the club which could include financial penalties, capacity restrictions and/or points deductions. That charge is still ongoing.
Following the number of incidents the club received over the course of the 2023-24 season, these penalties now become a real potential, and will damage the club profoundly, including loss of income, which could then have a detrimental knock-on effect to the playing budget, and ultimately the club’s bid for sustainability.
Already, with one game played this season, the club has had a report brought against it for an alleged incident whereby a supporter threw beer over the Brackley Town goalkeeper. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Ensuring the safety of our supporters, players and staff is always of paramount importance to Scunthorpe United Football Club. Supporters who have been identified to have committed disorderly acts have been subject to the possibility of criminal prosecution and football banning orders.
Scunthorpe United will continue to work closely with the police and football authorities to stamp out this, and other types, of spectator misconduct.
This misconduct is anything from flares to the throwing of objects, entering the field of play for goal celebrations or to cause disorder are just some of the reasons the club can get reported for.
CONTINUED REPORTS COULD SEE A CAPACITY RESTRICTION PUT IN PLACE, FINANCIAL INCURSIONS AND/OR POINTS DEDUCTIONS DAMAGING YOUR CLUB
Should the team be successful on the pitch, don’t let that be ruined by the antics occuring off the pitch. Imagine those three points at Brackley being taken away from us because of an individual’s actions off the pitch.
Don’t think “it’ll never happen”, because it’s now a real possibility.
Co-owner and chair Michelle Harness said: “The consequences the club face as a result of these charges are profound.
“We will continue to work with the governing bodies to do all we can to improve what we do to prevent these incidents. Moving into the new season, on behalf of the Board and the football club as a whole, I must urge each and every spectator visiting us here at the Attis Arena to please refrain from entering the field of play, the use of pyrotechnics, and any other misconduct which could see us penalised.
“We are talking about the very, very small minority of spectators who are engaging in this anti-social behaviour, but these people in the minority are now causing a major problem.”
