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Puritans board condemn anti-social behaviour at Saturday’s game
07/03/2022
Both the FA and local police involved after small group cause trouble including the use of smoke bombs
The behaviour of a small number of Banbury United’s supporters at their away game against Rushall Olympic on Saturday has left the Board of Directors vowing to ban those involved. The club says sanctions will be imposed on anyone identified in the anti-social behaviour, which included the use of smoke bombs.
The episode has left some Rushall Olympic fans saying they will stay away if they have to face the Puritans again.
West Midlands Police were called to game after flares were thrown onto the pitch and two stewards were knocked to the floor. It is understood the incidents at the game would be reported to the Football Association by the referee.
The trouble from what is believed to be a small group of younger supporters spoiled an otherwise good afternoon for league leaders the Puritans, who beat second placed Rushall Olympic 2-1 and increased their leadership gap to 20 points.
Speaking to Puritans Radio after the match Banbury United’s Manager Andy Whing described the scenes as “absolutely disgraceful”. Mr Whing said: “Unfortunately because we’re doing so well we’re getting a few idiots into our games now. I’d rather see the faithful here, week in, week out, not these idiots.
“The supporters have been outstanding – don’t get me wrong – but there’s a certain element, a few people, who just want to cause trouble. It looks like it’s the younger ones as well. They’ll have to be dealt with and hopefully not come to football games again.”
The episode left some Rushall Olympic fans taking to social media to express their disgust. Adrian Slater wrote: “If we get promotion I won’t be going to any games against [Banbury] They need to sort out their pathetic mindless hooligan supporters.”
Another supporter of the Walsall club, Linda Mason, added: “I was sorry to be a close witness to a small contingent of Banbury’s fans dreadful behaviour. [It] left a nasty taste in the mouth. If the Pics do manage promotion I will not be attending any fixture involving Banbury.”
Banbury United issued a statement on Sunday afternoon which said: “The club are extremely disappointed that the behaviour of a small number of the large following yesterday at Rushall Olympic, who were very welcoming hosts, has taken the focus away from another fantastic performance by the team on the pitch.
“We recognise supporters support our team in different ways but the anti-social behaviour of some at the game is not acceptable, a view we know to be shared by the vast majority of our fans, and as a club we will not tolerate this.
“Those identified as being involved, including those using smoke bombs, will face sanctions including being banned by the club from attending matches.”
The club said it will assist the police and Football Association with their investigations and asked that anyone who had any information let them know by emailing info@banburyunitedfc.co.uk.
The statement concluded: “We are enjoying a fantastic season and no one wants this to be spoilt by behaviour off the pitch.
“We are saddened to have to make a public statement like this that detracts from the amazing performances by the team and tarnishes the reputation of the club as a whole.”
West Midlands Police told Banbury FM: “We were called to disorder at the Rushall Olympics and Banbury United game on Saturday afternoon.
“Flares were thrown onto the pitch causing damage to the surface while two stewards were knocked to the floor.
“Neither were seriously injured and didn’t want to make formal complaints.
“Anyone with information about what happened can contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101. Quote 20/275117/22.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam