Life ban threat to fans after match violence
MACCLESFIELD FC has condemned the actions of a ‘minority’ of supporters who caused violent matchday disruption and said they will be banned for life.
The reincarnated Silkmen beat Congleton Town 1-0 to go top of the North West Counties League, but the derby game was marred by fighting in the stands.
Director of football Robbie Savage had to intervene and try to calm the trouble, which happened at the Leasing.com Stadium - formerly the Moss Rose - on Monday, August 30.
Officers at Cheshire Police are investigating and say they are working to identify those responsible.
And Savage has now released a video statement alongside club owner Rob Smethurst confirming that those involved would receive lifetime bans.
He said: “We were both disappointed, shocked at some of the scenes that we witnessed. It’s unacceptable. We’re going to be very firm in the way we handle it.
“There will be lifetime bans from this football club.
“It’s disappointing that a few spoilt what has been an amazing journey and an amazing start to the season.
“But it’s going to get addressed. We’re working in conjunction with the local police force and the local authority. There will be a full investigation.”
Mr Smethurst said: “We were massively disappointed. When I bought this football club, it was about the community and the fans - who are the most important people at a football club.
“We’ve got to just reflect on whether we did everything right. I believe we did everything right. We have a safety officer in place, we have 35-40 stewards in place. Could they have reacted a bit quicker? Possibly. That’s something we’ll look at and address.
“We’ve got to try and remain positive. We’re trying to get new fans to the ground, which is hugely important for the longevity of the football club.
“It was a disgrace. It was just a bad reflection on Macclesfield Football Club.”
Savage pledged that the scenes witnessed on Monday ‘won’t happen again’.
The video followed a statement from the club condemning ‘the actions of a minority of spectators’.
Opponents Congleton Town have also released a statement, which reiterated this stance, and said the club would work closely with the investigation.