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Post by andycapp on Mar 16, 2023 16:09:11 GMT
www.suttonunited.net/news/2023/march/club-statement---spectator-behaviour/As a result of the discovery of the possession of pyrotechnics at the recent games against Crewe Alexandra and Crawley Town, Sutton United are under investigation by the FA regarding the behaviour of our spectators and the safety of attendees at the VBS Community Stadium at home fixtures. The Club again is disappointed by the small minority of spectators that are reducing the enjoyment of the matchday experience for others, and causing a disproportionate use of resources on negative aspects of the game when these limited resources could otherwise be used on the continuing growth and focus on the positivity being delivered since our elevation to the EFL. As a result of the incidents the Club has issued banning orders to a small number of individuals who will now also be subject to enquiries by the police and possible criminal investigation, with the Club assisting in this process. Increased scrutiny and additional searching have had to be introduced for the remaining home fixtures of the season which not only detracts from the enjoyment for everyone but also adds to the costs incurred by the Club which could otherwise be spent on investing in our future. The Club is grateful to a number of our regular supporters who have assisted both the Club and the police in addressing this matter. Breaches of our Ground Regulations (which can be found here) and criminal behaviour will not be tolerated, and future incidents will continue to be dealt with by way of a firm response. Sutton United supports the football authorities, and the EFL, in cracking down on the football wide growth in unacceptable behaviour.
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kpinwp
1st team Player
Posts: 1,245
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Post by kpinwp on Mar 16, 2023 16:36:31 GMT
This is why the 'patting down' of the teenage fans has been taking place at the turnstiles before the last two home matches, I assume?
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Post by davethegrave on Mar 16, 2023 18:39:31 GMT
Obviously the children. Crawley supporters let off the first one then one of ours. Are the security officers doing their job properly?
Anyway I thought I'd look at the ground regulations. Point 15 seems to have a typo. It mentions "paragraph 15 above".
Also point 9 mentions foul or abusive language. I always hear some really offensive words from some supporters who are not so young and should know better. They are so loud that they should again be picked out by the stewards.
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Post by os on Mar 16, 2023 19:20:35 GMT
Not having gaping holes in the fence where flares etc can be passed into the ground would help.
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Post by djp73 on Mar 21, 2023 10:18:26 GMT
I am wondering if Davethegrave is referring to the people who stand under the gantry on the rec side? I too have noticed a massive increase in them using the word c**t and just general swearing at the opposition and officials. These individuals are easily in their 50's and in my view they have got worse since the club highlighted spectator behaviour. The fact that they seem to think it is ok to use such language is bad enough but they have no problem in doing so within earshot of children. I realise that with our success brings higher attendances and unfortunately some people whom I'm sure the club would prefer didn't attend but when you see people who appear to have been supporters for a while and are older, you would expect better. It has certainly made me think twice about bringing my children to games.
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kpinwp
1st team Player
Posts: 1,245
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Post by kpinwp on Mar 21, 2023 15:14:35 GMT
I am wondering if Davethegrave is referring to the people who stand under the gantry on the rec side? I too have noticed a massive increase in them using the word c**t and just general swearing at the opposition and officials. These individuals are easily in their 50's and in my view they have got worse since the club highlighted spectator behaviour. The fact that they seem to think it is ok to use such language is bad enough but they have no problem in doing so within earshot of children. I realise that with our success brings higher attendances and unfortunately some people whom I'm sure the club would prefer didn't attend but when you see people who appear to have been supporters for a while and are older, you would expect better. It has certainly made me think twice about bringing my children to games. Tbh, it seems like this langauge/behaviour problem has been an older age group issue, in that section of the ground, for a long time. As you say, it transcends the 'Come on ref, what are you looking at? You're having a laugh!' type shouting into fully abusive language. We get a little of that on la curva, too. I do not for the life of me understand how grown men (men in late middle age, at that) do not understand that using foul language in the proximity of young children is not acceptable. I can live with the occssional, exasperated, 'For f**k's sake!'. It's not a tea party, after all, and passions run high. But some of this stuff feels like foul language just for the kick of it. I recall someone, there, once being rebuked about this and maintaining that he 'Reserved the right to give them all a mouthful'. Right? Really? Grow up!
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Post by davep on Mar 21, 2023 20:17:48 GMT
I occasionally go and watch Blackheath rugby club and the contrast in the language of spectators at Blackheath compared with that of some football spectators is extraordinary. Even when 'attacking' the referee for a dreadful decision, the Blackheath supporters call him 'sir'. I've been to Blackheath about 20 times and never heard a single swear word from any spectator. Shouting to the referee 'Do you want to borrow my glasses sir?' is about as strong as it gets. It's a bit surreal - but kind of nice.
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Post by sallycat on Mar 22, 2023 7:51:25 GMT
There seem to be a lot of people who don't understand the difference between foul language and abuse. Abuse doesn't have to involve swearing, but it does mean attacking someone on a personal level and for me that's the bit that's unacceptable.
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