Football / Bristol Rovers
Rovers chairman blasts home fans’ behaviour ‘unacceptable’
Bristol Rovers chairman Steve Hamer has written an open letter to supporters urging them to improve their conduct at home games.
“Sadly, the behaviour of some of our fans at the Plymouth match was rightly deemed unacceptable by the inspecting authority who attended the game,” Hamer wrote.
At the game against Plymouth on September 30, gangways were not kept clear and when stewards requested for fans to move they often met resistance, according to Hamer’s letter.
“Obstructing gangways is dangerous because if someone trips or slips over then they could fall right down to the pitch side fence and so could injure themselves or an innocent bystander,” said Hamer.
“If you fall or slip within a stand then there is the barrier to break your fall and to protect others.”
The chairman wrote that “yet again a so called young supporter” let off a flare in the North Terrace and that he believes that he has been identified.
Hamer said that anyone bringing in flares or setting them off will be dealt with by the police “which will result in a very long ban from The Mem”.
He added: “As stated before I would wish to celebrate a goal by The Gas as much as everyone else, however fans must show respect for others.
“Jumping up and down and pushing your group around is not only dangerous but also potentially very annoying for other supporters. This must stop with immediate effect.
“The Club has been required to justify its response to the above. The reduction of the capacity of the Mem and more matches being policed are very likely options. This will cost the club a lot of money and all because of a small minority of supporters who, it appears, choose not to abide by the EFL Regulations which are in place across the country.
“Thank you very much and please help the safety team to resolve the above.”
In August, Hamer spoke about the club’s decision to abandon plans to build a new stadium at UWE:
The club had hoped to build a 21,000-seater venue at Stoke Gifford on the outskirts of the city and said it was “disappointed” that discussions with UWE had “come to a close as the parties were unable to agree acceptable terms”.
Rovers’ last game saw them beat Northampton Town 6-0 away from home. The Gas are currently in 12th position in League One.
Main photo of Steve Hamer courtesy of Bristol Rovers
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