CHESTERFC is determined to eradicate anti-social behavior and ensure that every football fan feels at ease attending matches.
According to the club, it supports strong measures against criminal and anti-social behavior at the Deva Stadium.
Pitcher invaders and those using smoke bombs or pyrotechnics or throwing objects onto the pitch can expect to be subject to automatic club bans as well as criminal prosecution.
One pitch invader was issued a three year Football Banning Order. This prohibits him from being in Chester City Centre before or after home matches, requires him to surrender his passport to England when they are on international duty and bars him from attending away or home games.
This news comes after a small group of supporters caused criminal damage to the Blues’ first match of the National League North season. They damaged the Impact Arena’s toilets in Alfreton Town’s away section.
Chester FC offered to pay the entire repair bill and apologized to Alfreton Town.
The club statement states: “Chester FC supports an all-football approach to ensure every football fan feels safe at matches.
“As we begin the new season, I support the introduction of tough measures across football to combat anti-social or criminal behaviours on football grounds. This includes entering the pitch unpermitted, using smoke bombs, pyros, throwing objects onto it, and discriminatory behavior and drug use. These actions are all illegal and dangerous, and they have no place in our game.
All clubs will report to the police anyone who is involved in these offenses for safety. A permanent criminal record can be created by the police, which can affect your employment or education and, in certain cases, even lead to a sentence in prison.
“Anyone who enters the pitch unpermitted or uses smoke bombs, pyros, or other flammable substances will be subject to an automatic ban from the club. Parents or guardians of children who are involved in these activities could also be affected.
These measures are intended to highlight the dangers posed by pyros to volunteers, fans and staff. Pyros can reach temperatures of 2,000 degrees Celsius, and can cause serious burns, life-threatening injuries and even fatal asthma attacks.
Because it is impossible to distinguish between a cheering fan and a violent attacker, entering the pitch puts everyone at risk. The pitch should be kept safe for players and the stands must remain safe for supporters.
Chester FC supports the FA, National League System Clubs and Leagues and Football Supporters Association by reducing dangerous behavior that could put players, staff, and officials at risk.
“We ask our supporters come together to show that the majority of supporters don’t support those who are guilty of these illegal acts.”
Chester FC will host a variety of attractions during its home match against Brackley Town. Live music from Nath N Josh from the Blues Bar at 1pm is part of the plan.
Dough & Co will have loaded fries, Ginger Cat Coffee will offer hot drinks in a tent and Planet Doughnut will have sweet treats.
Inflatable football darts from Streetwise Soccer and a Chester FC selfie frame will also be available.
The club advises those who have not yet collected their season tickets to do this at 1pm. The match starts at 3pm.
