Holt vents at fans who are ‘ruining’ game
OUTSPOKEN Accrington Stanley chairman Andy Holt has launched a strong attack on the recent pitch invasions which have marred football matches.
Holt says they could lead to increased ticket prices to help cover additional security costs or even the return of physical barriers.
The issue of crowd disorder and player protection is under the spotlight and, in arguably the most serious incident, Nottingham Forest season-ticket holder, Robert Biggs, has been jailed for 24 weeks after he head-butted Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp after the game at the City Ground.
Thursday night also saw Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira involved in an altercation with an Everton supporter, while Port Vale fans surrounded Swindon Town players on the pitch after the two clubs’ League Two play-off match.
Holt took to social media yesterday to issue a plea for those fans unable to control themselves to stay away from matches or face up to the lasting consequences on the game.
“Why have we suddenly got a minority of fans being absolute d **** lately? This is a disaster,” said Holt said in a lengthy post.
“Behind the scenes, major progress is/was being made to lighten up rules and restrictions, reduce aggressive stewarding and police.
“I talk to the EFL about this regularly, who were sympathetic to the way I want to change how we run games.
“My arguments are hanging by the slenderest threads in slender thread land now.
“We’ve tested a mixed fan area, been virtually sold out with all the bigger League One clubs, and have not had any problems.
“My argument is, you can’t take hard earned money off folk and treat them like s***, it isn’t right.
“It’s football, get a grip you complete clowns causing the problems. You win, you draw, you lose. If you can’t cope with that stay away.
“You’re ruining the day for many, increasing club security costs and, as a result, ticket prices for all. I’m not paying extra costs because of these stumps.
“If costs go up, tickets go up. Ban them all, jail them all, we don’t need them in football.”
The Premier League, the EFL and clubs are receiving advice from the Crown Prosecution Service on how to build the strongest cases possible against any individuals that attack players on the pitch.
The CPS said they are currently working with clubs, player bodies and organisations like the Premier League and the EFL to explain what sort of evidence is required to charge in order to help clubs and the leagues protect their players.
The EFL have indicated they will consider what more can be done to tackle the issue of crowd behaviour, saying in a statement on Wednesday: “Over the summer we will consider what further measures are now at our disposal, including the potential use of capacity reductions or other similar mitigations.”