Text at top (next game etc)

Next Game: Darlington Away In The League On Saturday 23rd November At 3.00pm

Friday, April 08, 2016

Alvechurch Statement Regarding Overcrowding


Alvechurch have released the following statement regarding the issue in the crowd that occurred towards the end of last night's game.

Originally the capacity was announced to be 1,500, but the official attendance last night was 1,645.

"It seems we're coming under fire from some quarters for exceeding the crowd capacity in last night's game.
"At first, we were going to ignore the criticism, but it's building momentum now, so we feel we have to address it and clarify things from our point of view.
"The actual capacity had been assessed by police, the FA and league as 1,579.
"Following previews incidents from certain fans of Hereford FC (like at Salisbury away) and other phoenix clubs, we were advised (in writing) to allow ticketless fans cash entry, rather than face disruption (and potential violent scenes) at the turnstiles.
"A significant number of cash paying fans entered the ground as a result of this directive and, for the most part, enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining game.
"Two good teams gave a fully committed performance in difficult conditions, with the better team over 90 minutes coming away with the result.
"The ugly scenes that took place were at a point where both sets of fans could meet and I'm of the opinion that both sets had a contingent that made their way to this 'meeting' point from their previous standing positions for confrontation. 
"The police, along with stewards, acted swiftly and professionally to bring an end to the situation and for this, we are extemely grateful.
"Video footage and photos are currently being assessed by the correct authorities to establish how the trouble started and who was involved.
"I'm happy to leave this to them and, will of course, report back as soon as we know.
"However, I'm not prepared to have the good name of Alvechurch FC brought into disrepute.
"We celebrated our centenary in 2013 and we have an unblemished record in this regard (even with the larger crowds we attracted in the 1970s/80s, with repeated incidents like these.
"Flares were released at the ground, for which I have been asked to make a formal complaint.
"No one got hurt by them and there's no way I would ever lodge a complaint about this.
"No way, it's not the Alvechurch way.
"A common sense approach has got to be adopted here and I'm sure football will ultimately prevail.
"There are some big games to go before the season ends and I'm confident that my club, Alvechurch FC, will not be involved in any more fracas.
"Hopefully the same will apply to the club you support, although I fear this may not be the case.
"If we are to answer to authorities for the over capacity 'charge', if a fine or more draconian measures are imposed, we will meet them head on.
"We are a small club doing our best."