Deveronvale Football Club highlight 'unacceptable behaviour policy' after fans accused of verbally abusing and spitting at Buckie Thistle players during Highland League derby
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DEVERONVALE have raised concerns with their own supporters following accusation of disorder at Saturday's Banffshire coast derby match against Buckie Thistle.
Accusations were made that fans spat and hurled abuse at Buckie players, tried to let off flares, pushed a steward and smuggled alcohol into Princess Royal Park during the game.
Vale say incidents involving both home and away supporters have been reported at matches at their Banff ground this season, and they are keen to stamp it out.
The club issued a statement on their website saying disruptive fans were not welcome at Vale's matches either at Princess Royal Park or away venues.
"We would stress that these issues seem to be confined to a small number of fans and the majority of home and away fans attend and watch matches with the right spirit, behaviours, and sporting mindset," said chairman Jim Mair.
"Deveronvale very much appreciate this sort of support but would stress that “fans” attending matches and ignoring either the SHFL Ground Regulations or the Club’s Unacceptable Behaviour Policy are not welcome at PRP or supporting the Club at away matches.
"In normal circumstances we would not see the need to issue reminders on this subject but recent issues at other SHFL matches and specific behaviours at Saturday’s match versus Buckie Thistle suggest a reminder is required.
"On Saturday a number of unacceptable actions were observed by fans and by the stewards brought in to assist with matchday activities.
"These included foul and insulting language directed at Buckie Thistle players, allegations of spitting, attempts to let off smoke flares, the pushing of one of the stewards and the passing of alcohol over the fence at the Canal Park side of the ground.
"Instances of alcohol consumption and foul language have been observed, from both home and visiting fans, at other matches at PRP this season and Deveronvale have initiated discussions with the local police force regarding these issues and would re-emphasise that none of our players, management, committee, or board find such behaviour in any way acceptable."
The club's Unacceptable Behaviour Policy states: "Any supporter who engages in such behaviour will be subject to sanctions imposed by the Club, which could include withdrawal of season ticket, exclusion from future Deveronvale matches or, in the event of serious and/or persistent offending, a report to the Police or an application being made towards obtaining a football banning order."
Vale's chairman added; "The Club’s policy with respect to Unacceptable Behaviour is clear and provides for sanctions to be taken against persons breaching the policy.
"We are speaking to the police regarding Saturday’s incidents, and the group of Vale fans involved, and will be closely monitoring the situation going forward."
