Southport FC Condemns Attempts at Pre-Arranged Fights between Supporters Ahead of Match Against Leamington FC

Club statement..

In order to clarify our position regarding yesterday’s announcement, Leamington FC had had brought to their attention attempts by a minority of Southport fans, via social media, to organise pre-arranged fights between the rival groups of supporters (as has also been the case, we believe, at certain recent home Southport games).

Officials at Leamington FC were quite understandably concerned at the lack of segregation at the Your Co-Op Community Stadium and the difficulties and costs involved in putting segregation in place at such short notice in order to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the vast majority of supporters. Therefore, and following subsequent discussions with ourselves and the Police, the decision was taken to refuse entry to any individual who is the subject of a current stadium ban from either club, which Southport Football Club fully endorses and supports.

We do not condone violence, the threat of violence, or the breaching of the National League’s Ground Regulations in any way and will continue to work closely with all relevant authorities and parties to prevent this being a feature of following Southport Football Club, so as to ensure that fans can attend and watch the games in a safe and enjoyable environment.

It is disappointing to note that the announcement has been met with further vile and abusive messages on social media. We maintain that there is no place in football for violence in any way, shape or form, or for the defamation and abuse that we have unfortunately seen recently on social media. We will continue to work in conjunction with the Police to identify those responsible and ensure they will no longer be welcome at Haig Avenue.