Stockton Town Football Club has released the following statement in conjunction with English Football ahead of Saturday’s Play-Off Final against Long Eaton United.
JOINT STATEMENT FROM ENGLISH FOOTBALL ABOUT FAN BEHAVIOUR
PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THE FIELD OF PLAY AT ANY TIME DURING OR AFTER SATURDAYS PLAY-OFF FINAL
As we approach the closing stages of another exciting season across the Premier League, EFL, Women’s Super League, Women’s Championship, National League System and the FA Cups, there remains plenty to play for in all competitions, with titles, silverware, promotion, European qualification, play-off and relegation places all at stake.
The passionate support of fans is a vital part of what makes football so special in this country. It is completely understandable that emotions run high, particularly at this stage of the season when there is so much to play for.
However, we must remind supporters that in the interests of safety and wellbeing for everyone inside our stadiums, the pitch is for players, managers and officials, while the stands are there for fans to support their team.
At the end of last season, we witnessed some unwelcome scenes when fans entered the field of play without permission at several grounds. Even if this is done in celebratory fashion, any supporter who comes onto the pitch is breaking the law and putting the welfare of players, coaches, club staff and fellow fans at risk.
We know that this unacceptable behaviour is carried out by a minority of fans, and their actions do not represent most supporters, but they risk ruining the fantastic experience of a football match for everyone.
At the start of this season, the Premier League, EFL, NLS Leagues and The FA worked with the Football Supporters’ Association to introduce new measures and stronger sanctions to tackle anti-social and criminal behaviours, such as entering the pitch and the use of pyrotechnics.
This includes automatic club bans and police action, and we have seen cases this season which have led to fans receiving criminal records. This can impact employment and education prospects, restrict ability to travel overseas, and could result in a prison sentence. Club bans can also extend to accompanying parents or guardians of children who take part in this activity.
As we reach the exciting culmination of another thrilling football season, we want fans to continue to show their positive support as this can make all the difference to a team’s fortunes.
But our message is clear: fans must stay in the stands and avoid any unnecessary disruption at such a crucial point of the season.
TRAVELLING & CAR PARKING
Stockton Town Football Club wishes to be a responsible community organisation and a good neighbour to all residents living locally. The Club would make the following appeal to anyone attending the Play-Off Final fixture on Saturday 29th April and would like to thank you all in advance for your cooperation.
PLEASE UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE USE RESIDENTIAL STREETS TO PARK YOUR CAR.
There are a considerable number of car parking spaces at the club, but with the crowd anticipated could we request that if possible you walk to the ground or use public transport.
There is also considerable car parking in Stockton Town Centre and you can walk to the ground in 20 minutes from there. If possible, please take this option.
The Elm Tree Club has also offered their Car Park for use on Saturday afternoon, this is less than 5 minutes’ walk from the ground so please take this opportunity if possible.
DOGS FOR SATURDAY’S GAME
The Club has decided that for the Play-Off Final on Saturday 29th April unfortunately NO DOGS will be allowed into the MAP Group UK Stadium.
We regret that we have had to impose this ban but with the likely attendance and the very limited space available it would not be the right environment for dogs on this occasion. Thanks in advance for your support on this matter.
BIKES AND BALLS FOR SATURDAY’S GAME
The Club wishes to advise that for the Play Off Final on Saturday 29th April no Bikes, Scooters or Balls will be allowed into the MAP Group UK Stadium.
We regret that we have had to impose this ban but with the likely attendance and the very limited space available it would not be the right environment for these items on this occasion. Thanks in advance for your support on this matter.
ADDITIONAL TOILET FACILITIES and GROUND EXIT POINTS
There have been additional temporary toilet facilities installed for Saturday’s fixture, please make yourself aware of their locations when you arrive.
There will also be additional exit routes opened, when exiting through the normal exit next to the turnstiles the gates directly onto Bishopton Road West will be open.
The gates at the opposite end of the ground near the Bramley Green estate will be open that will take you around the rear of the college and bring you out at the side of the Main Clubhouse.
Stockton Town Football Club would like to take the opportunity to say thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to welcoming you all to the ground on Saturday. Up The Anchors.
