The Club has become increasingly concerned about the anti-social and criminal behaviour of a small group of fans. Allegations have been received concerning the illegal act of setting off smoke bombs, racist abuse and most recently, the throwing of objects at the Eastleigh FC Team Coach at our recent home game.
The Club is cooperating fully with both the Hampshire Constabulary and the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and will support any criminal prosecutions taken by the police. In addition, the Club is conducting its own investigations and will not hesitate to issue lengthy bans if sufficient evidence, including circumstantial evidence, is available. The Club is also reviewing CCTV footage to see if it can identify fans involved in threatening and abusive behaviour, or inciting such behaviour, towards players, officials, stewards or other fans. Again, the Club will issue bans if appropriate.
The Club has a duty of care to all that visit Plainmoor that they can enjoy the game is a safe and respectful environment. In the same spirit, the behaviour of fans that attend away fixtures must be in line with the Club’s values.
The Club will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and will take all reasonable steps to remove this group of fans from Plainmoor. In addition to the reputational damage to the Club, the Club could also face significant fines and be required to pay for police officers to be in attendance at all home games which will be another significant cost.
The Club will not issue any further warnings.