Salisbury FC chairman asks fans for calm towards season end

The club's put out a statement following some recent crowd issues

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 24th Apr 2024

Salisbury FC's club chairman is warning fans attending the Ray Mac that anti-social behaviour won't be tolerated as the season draws to a conclusion.

The Whites have one Southern League Premier fixture remaining, at home to Hanwell Town.

The team are third in the table and, if things stay as they are, would have a home tie in the play-off semi finals.

But chairman Ian Hammond has urged fans to get behind the team after recent issues of fan trouble.

Over the past month, two matches have been affected by the behaviour of people attending games.

During the fixture against Basingstoke, crowd disturbance was reported, while in the match with Harrow items were thrown onto the pitch towards the visitors goalkeeper.

Both incidents have been reported to the FA.

In a statement on the club's website, Mr Hammond said:

"This season I think we can all agree has been not just successful, but we have seen some extremely exciting games from Brian and the team. A playoff place has been secured and we await the final league placings to see who and where we play.

"With the success this season we have seen bigger crowds and increased revenues from the bars and tea huts. All of this is essential to ensure the future financial sustainability of the club at whatever level we will be playing at next season.

"What will not help is the type of incidents that occurred this month in both the Basingstoke (crowd disturbance) and Harrow (items thrown at Harrow goalkeeper) games. Both incidents were reported to the FA by the match officials, and we await their decisions which could involve sanctions and/or fines.

"Any individual judged to be guilty of any offence whether it be racial, violence or any anti-social behaviour will be dealt with in the appropriate manner. This could include the immediate removal from the ground, season long ban or even a lifetime ban depending on the severity of the offence.

"Where necessary, the police would also be involved. Any supporters witnessing any anti-social behaviour of any kind are requested to advise the nearest steward immediately so that the appropriate action can be taken.

"Finally, to return to the football let’s cheer on the team in our last league game and any playoff matches in the right way."

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