Police Focus On Minority Of Football Fans After String Of Anti Social Issues

A joint press conference between North Wales Police and Wrexham Football Club has been held in an attempt to discourage a minority of apparent football ‘fans’ causing trouble that could have policing ramifications.

The press conference was held following a larger than normal number of reported incidents caused by a ‘hardcore minority’ of fans at, or on the way to recent away games.

Speaking yesterday Supt Rob Kirman said that they want to ‘nip this in the bud’, noting: “We started to notice some problems emerging with a small majority of fans. We know the vast majority of Wrexham supporters are well behaved and represent the club and themselves well. It is the hardcore minority causing issues.”

Supt Kirman added: “Concerns come in to us, we’ve had other forces, British Transport Police, clubs and members of the community writing in about fans purporting to be from Wrexham.”

Supt Kirman also acknowledged that the issues are mainly regarding Wrexham’s away games, rather than games at the Racecourse.

Wrexham AFC Club Secretary, Geraint Parry said: “This is not the situation like it was back in the dark old days, but expectations of supporters and the community have changed. It is not nice getting emails from people complaining. There is no reason why they should be inconvenienced because of a small minority.”

Mr Parry explained there is an ‘option to do a club banning order for anti-social behaviour’, which would result in ticket purchasing blocks and club accounts suspended, stressing the “vast majority of fans are well respected by other teams”.

Football Liaison Officer PC Heidi Goldsack said that there had been seven arrests made this season, also with five ejections from the grounds, three bans put in place by the courts and one ‘club ban’, again stating police were ‘not tarring them all (the fans) with the same brush’ saying ‘the majority are good people and we have a good relationship with fans and club’.

Several other incidents were also outlined by PC Goldsack, including:

• Bromley away where there was no segregation and after half time fans came together, resulting in police forming a physical barrier between them. Some Wrexham fans are also reported to have displayed ‘aggressive behaviour’ to police and a steward.
• Cheltenham away saw one Wrexham fan ejected from the game after running onto the pitch, with PC Goldsack stating that while it could have been celebratory, it is still an offence. A Cheltenham supporter was also allegedly ‘head butted’ after a small number of Wrexham fans got into into a local pub – however the group have never been identified.
• Four adults tried to get free entry into the Aldershot away game and when stopped, began chanting about ‘bombing’ in what is a military town. A group of ‘intoxicated youths’ were also warned about their behaviour, with stewards later calling for police assistance.
• Around 90 what are described as ‘risk supporters’ (out of 800+ fans who travelled to the Tranmere away game) were involved in a fight with around 20 Tranmere ‘risk fans’, resulting in glasses and bottled being thrown and smashed. Police kept the fans apart and they were escorted into the game. After the match there were further reports of abuse being shouted.
• Southport away saw issues with some fans travelling by train, with reports that a conductor was threatened.

Reference was also made to the behaviour of a minority of Wrexham fans who travelled by train to the Halifax away game, which has been detailed by British Transport Police.

Last week the British Transport Police released an appeal for witnesses following reports that a group of Wrexham fans were ‘drunk, rowdy and singing offensive songs’ on a train between Hebden Bridge and Halifax.

Further details of the incident were provided yesterday, with Supt Kirman stating that the chants on the train were in relation to the severe flooding that had hit Yorkshire – with the group of fans on the train allegedly chanting ‘where have your houses gone?’

Sexist comments were also allegedly made by the group of youths on the train, along with a Halifax steward being spat at by someone described as a Wrexham supporter.

The behaviour of the vast majority of Wrexham supports was praised by Mr Parry, who noted that many Wrexham fans took part in a generous collection at the Halifax game for the flood victims.

Mr Parry added that there is a financial implication for the club, who have to foot the bill for any increased patrols at Wrexham home games.

Acting Town Centre Inspector Steve Owens said: “Each game is taken on its own merits. How fans have behaved at away games impacts how we police the home games.”

Supt Kirman added: “It impacts on local officers. We don’t want these issues to be affecting local businesses, communities and residents on Mold Road.

“I don’t like reading the newspapers and seeing Wrexham fans behave like that.”

During the press conference it was acknowledged by police that there is small minority of ‘younger fans’ who are believed to be causing the issues, with those caught facing punishments including club or court bans.

Supt Kirman said: “We’ve got the Euro 2016 coming up. All those who are banned are prevented from travelling and we will be paying a visit to them when the games are on.”

PC Goldsack added: “Three people banned also have links to Welsh international fixtures and causing issues. We don’t want to see Welsh supporters at the Euros causing issues.”

Wrexham.com queried with North Wales Police if the apparent bigger spotlight on the issue was related to the controversial ‘Bubble Match’ arrangements when Wrexham play Chester. We were told this is a separate issue and ‘not related’, with the focus being drawn to the recent problems due the number of incidents and those involved.

In other football news, Wrexham’s Easter Monday home game with Cheltenham Town will be shown Live on BT Sport with a 5.45pm kick-off… however there is no substitute to see live football in person!