Forfar Athletic Implements New Attendance Rules Following Disorder
A Scottish football club, Forfar Athletic, has introduced a ban on under-16s attending matches without a paying adult following a series of anti-social behaviour incidents.
The club took these measures after a number of "unacceptable" episodes occurred during its most recent home game against the Spartans.
The Scottish Supporter's Football Association expressed that while it was "disappointing" for young fans to miss out on football, the club's decision to act was justified.
Police Scotland confirmed they were called to a disturbance on 21 March and emphasized their zero-tolerance policy towards disorder at football matches.
In an official statement, Forfar Athletic indicated that it had no alternative but to implement new policies for the remaining three home games of the season.
The Scottish League Two announced that any non-season ticket holders under the age of 16 will only be permitted entry if accompanied by a paying adult.
Additionally, anyone attempting to enter the stadium wearing a face covering will be asked to remove it; refusal to comply will result in denial of access.
Club's Response and Community Concerns
A spokesperson for Forfar Athletic posted on their Facebook page:
"The behaviour of these young people is not acceptable.
Whilst the club have tried to engage and encourage their support, the attendance of police at two recent games has led to these measures having to be taken.
Forfar Athletic would also like to add that their behaviour within the town itself is absolutely unacceptable.
We have received numerous emails about disturbances and can only apologise to residents and businesses, however we cannot be held responsible for their actions away from the football ground."
The club stated it has collaborated with police and shared CCTV footage related to the incidents.
They further commented:
"Forfar Athletic wish to encourage younger supporters to attend matches, but only if they are coming to support the team and behave themselves.
Not all of the younger fans are to blame, but we need to ensure that none of the ones who do misbehave are allowed to continue causing problems for stewards and Police.
If police decide that they need to attend games, it comes at a cost to the club, and so we need to ensure that their presence is not required.
We hope that supporters understand the reasoning behind these measures and we thank all of our fans for their support this season."
Supporters Association and Expert Commentary
John MacLean, chief executive of the Scottish Football Supporters Association, acknowledged the disappointment of fans being deprived of watching football but commended Forfar Athletic for addressing "unacceptable" behaviour.
He told BBC Scotland:
"It is evident that clubs of all sizes have to address some of the anti-social behaviours that can accompany some of the young fans' enthusiasm.
Clubs have been put under the spotlight to ensure that they take action otherwise strict liability will continue to be an option that the football authorities will be forced to look at.
We would encourage positive dialogue between the fans and the club."
MacLean suggested that communication between clubs and supporters could be an effective approach, citing examples from clubs such as Falkirk and Partick Thistle where dialogue led to a significant reduction in pyrotechnic use.
He added:
"There is undoubtedly an element here of youngsters aping what they are seeing at bigger clubs and I do think Forfar's stance on this, particularly regarding balaclavas and pyros, is something other boardrooms could reflect on."
Ongoing Investigations and Police Statement
Investigations into the disturbance on 21 March remain ongoing.
Chief Inspector Grace Ewing stated:
"Anti-social behaviour and disorder of any kind is unacceptable and we recognise the negative impact this can have on the community.
We work with a range of partners to address issues, provide solutions and determine positive measures we can take to prevent it.
Part of this activity involves working with Forfar Athletic through pro-active youth engagement programmes and assisting through violence reduction campaigns in the wider community."
