Torquay United AFC is privileged to possess some of the most devoted and passionate supporters in the country, and it is therefore with regret that the club has been forced to issue the following statement relating to a small minority of individuals attending our matches during the past year.
Over the past 12 months Devon and Cornwall Police have received an increase in reported incidents of anti-social behaviour and disorder linked to a small group of Torquay United supporters. These incidents have occurred at both home and away fixtures and on every occasion they have been dealt with robustly by the club officials with support from the Police.
The Sporting Events department within Devon and Cornwall Police pursued banning orders on the males in court yesterday. This was in a bid to reduce any further incidents of disorderly behaviour and to reiterate both the Police and the football club’s zero tolerance policy to this type of behaviour. Torquay United have a wonderful supporters group, who are extremely passionate about their team. It is a shame that on occasions their support has been overshadowed by the behaviour of these individuals who associate themselves with the club. Others have been dealt with by way of ‘out of court disposals’ and through youth intervention with the support of their parents/guardians.
Torquay United has reiterated that it will continue to respond in a firm and timely manner to any anti-social behaviour that involves supporters of the club, in an effort to eradicate this minority of trouble makers.
Devon and Cornwall Police will continue to support the club to ensure that the match day experience of everyone attending Torquay United is an enjoyable one.