Darlington warn supporters ahead of Hereford game after hate crime reported

Hereford at Darlington in January 2024

Hereford head to Blackwell Meadows on Saturday to face Darlington in the Enterprise National League North — with the hosts urging supporters to be on their best behaviour.

Darlington, nicknamed the Quakers, sit 16th in the table with eight points from their opening seven games. The Bulls are 20th on seven points, looking to climb further after a win and a draw in their last two outings.

But in the build-up to the match, Darlington issued a strong statement on supporter conduct after a hate crime was reported at a recent home fixture. The club said it would not tolerate racist, sexist, homophobic, misogynistic or any other discriminatory behaviour, either in the stands or directed at players, staff or officials.

“We will not condone discriminatory chanting, banners or flags,” the statement titled "best behaviour please" said, warning that offenders could face bans or prosecution.

Fans were also reminded of National League ground regulations, including the “Smoke No Joke” campaign highlighting the dangers of pyrotechnics. Under the Football (Offences) Act 1991, it is an offence to throw objects, chant anything indecent or racist, or enter the pitch without authority. Convictions can lead to banning orders.

The Quakers said they are determined to work with campaign groups such as Her Game Too and Kick It Out, and confirmed they will also fully co-operate with any police investigation into abusive behaviour.

Darlington encouraged anyone experiencing or witnessing abuse to report it in confidence. Supporters can email report@darlingtonfc.org, use the text line on 07897 031883, alert a steward, or speak with the club’s Supporter Liaison Officer, Andrew Scullion.

The statement concluded: “We are sure all of our fair-minded fans will support our stance. However, it is very clear that if there is any type of abuse at one of our matches, we run the risk of being heavily punished by the FA.”

Kick-off at Blackwell Meadows is 3pm.

Darlington were rapped by the FA in July 2023 after misogynistic abuse towards a female match official. Darlington and the hosts, Scarborough, were both fined £1,000, with another £500 suspended, and had to comply with action plans to avoid a repeat.