TORQUAY United Football Club would like to thank and praise the Yellow Army for their magnificent support of the club on the many long away days we face in the National League.
Geography means that our supporters travel further than any other club in the League and yet the numbers on the road remain consistently high, and we receive regular commendation from rival clubs for the fantastic support given to the team by the Yellow Army.
In that context, the club is deeply concerned by recent reports of poor behaviour from a tiny minority of ‘United fans’ at away grounds and we have reached the point where the reputation of Torquay United is suffering and the enjoyment of the Yellow Army is being seriously impacted.
“The Boxing Day draw at Eastleigh was a tremendous atmosphere and a really good point for the team,” said General Manager Geoff Harrop. “Eastleigh were fantastic in their hospitality for our supporters and we look forward to reciprocating that welcome on New Year’s Day.
“It is extremely sad to therefore have to apologise to Eastleigh for the release of a smoke bomb following United’s opening goal and we take this opportunity to say sorry to the officials at Eastleigh Football Club for this incredibly disappointing behaviour.
“Even more serious are the disturbing reports of racist comments being made by somebody in the away end. This will never be tolerated by any football club and Torquay United condemn this behaviour in the strongest possible terms.
“On behalf of the club, we apologise to any Eastleigh player subjected to these disgusting comments and please rest assured that club officials are investigating the incidents as a matter of urgency.
“Any perpetrator of racist abuse will be banned from the club for life, without exception, and those releasing smoke bombs will also be given lengthy banning orders.”