A brand-new team coach carrying King’s Lynn Town was attacked after Monday’s game at Chorley – with rocks shattering a rear window and leaving it off the road.
The shocking incident happened shortly after Chorley beat the visitors 4-0, when a group of youths pelted the bus as it prepared to leave. The coach had only just made its first trip for the family-run Sleafordian Coaches, which had invested heavily in the new vehicle.
In a statement, the company said: “Yesterday should have been a proud day for us. Sadly, that pride turned into upset when a small group of young Chorley ‘supporters’ decided to attack our coach. They shattered a rear window, which means our new vehicle is now off the road until costly repairs are made.”
The firm added that while most fans follow their clubs with “passion and respect”, the behaviour of a handful caused unnecessary stress for the driver, disrupted their workload and could have led to serious injury.
It said: “This was not just about damage to a coach, it could have caused serious injury to the players or our driver. No one should feel unsafe simply for travelling home after a football match.”
The company said it was forced to arrange a replacement vehicle and driver at short notice on a bank holiday, adding to the financial burden.
It also criticised the lack of security around the ground and confirmed CCTV footage has been passed to police.
“If you’re angry about the result, taking it out on us achieves nothing. Please remember: it’s not clubs or players you hurt, but ordinary families and small businesses trying to do their job.”
Despite the setback, the company said the coach will be repaired and back on the road soon, thanking fans who had already sent messages of support.
“Football should bring people together. Rivalries belong on the pitch, not in car parks, not on vehicles, and never against the people just doing their jobs.”