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Next Game: Rushall At Home In The League On Saturday 30th November At 3.00pm

Friday, August 11, 2023

Warning to fans visiting Edgar Street after abuse left official in tears

Jack Evans celebrating his goal against Darlington at Edgar Street last season
Darlington have issued a warning to their fans ahead of the trip to Edgar Street on Saturday.

It comes after ugly scenes marred the game between Scarborough and Darlington and the two National League North clubs were slapped with £1,500 fines by the FA.

It was over sexist abuse aimed at an assistant referee, reducing her to tears, and delaying Scarborough's home tie against Darlington, which the visitors won 5-2, for 40 minutes.

If behaviour doesn't improve, the clubs can be fined another £500 and Darlington are now warning fans ahead of every game.

They said fans are "trusted representatives of the club and are expected to behave accordingly".

Admitting most fans are well-behaved, should anyone witness any misbehaviour by a Darlington supporter at the Hereford game on Saturday, then a steward or club official should be told, email report@darlingtonfc.org or use the text discrimination service on 07897 031883.

"Darlington FC will fully support any action that is taken by Hereford FC regarding any supporter misbehaviour," the club said.

"We have been liaising with Hereford regarding Saturday's game for several days."

Darlington and Scarborough both admitted to not ensuring spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be its supporters or followers) conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and refrained from improper, violent, threatening, abusive, indecent, insulting and/or provocative words and/or behaviour.

In addition, the FA alleged the words and/or behaviour made reference to gender at the Flamingo Land Stadium on January 2nd.

The FA report said from around the third minute of the match, the female assistant referee was targeted with sexist verbal abuse from "multiple" Darlington fans.

Comments included “sl*g”, “grow a pair” and “can I have a sh*g", the report said. She later told the referee it was "relentless" and was crying.

Around the seventh minute, she called the referee Dean Watson to report the comments, including “get your t*ts out for the lads”.

Later, objects including pies and burgers were thrown onto the pitch.

Both clubs have vowed to crack down on troublemakers and will adhere to plans drawn up the FA.

The club said they already carry out some of the FA’s recommendations as part of their match preparation procedures, but they are determined to meet the FA’s overall requirements.

"We have already contacted several clubs to ask them about how they conduct such activities with their supporters, plus the National League has offered assistance," a spokesperson said.

One fan has already been banned and the spokesperson added: "Darlington FC will not allow our good name to be tarnished by any individuals or group of individuals.

"We have established very good relationships with the FA, the National League, local politicians, local and national bodies and organisations, and we don’t want them ruined. 

"We are now obliged by the FA to issue warnings and advice before every Darlington game, whether it is home or away.

"The vast majority of our supporters are well-behaved, and understand why we must satisfy the requirements of the FA and National League. We must thank them for their help and understanding."

Darlington's Jacob Hazel pointing towards someone in the Len Weston terrace
During Darlington's visit to Edgar Street last season, a home fan was evicted from the ground after alleged homophobic abuse.

After the game, then Hereford boss Josh Gowling said: "I think there was a little comment towards one of the players.

"So the referee made us aware.

"I think the stewards went over there and had a conversation, I think they threw the person out whoever it was.

"Obviously we won't tolerate that at this football club. Any sort of comments towards players will not be tolerated so he got ejected straight away."