Following Saturday’s away match against Livingston the club has received complaints from some of our supporters regarding the use of foul and abusive language by fellow travelling supporters. The behaviour that was reported on Saturday is not acceptable.
A passionate support both home and away is appreciated by the team, but it is essential that unacceptable behaviour from a small minority does not upset and affect our own supporters. When our own supporters are raising complaints and indicating that the behaviour of a minority of our supporters mean that they feel unable to continue attending matches, particularly with young supporters, then the behaviour of that minority also causes direct damage to the club.
Football is a game of emotions and we are proud of the overwhelming majority of our supporters who follow the team with passion, respect, and integrity. This club prides itself in being a family and community club and your backing is vital to the positive atmosphere that our players thrive on. However, incidents like this remind us of the responsibility that we all share to ensure our matches remain safe, inclusive, and a welcoming environments for players, officials, and fellow fans. Supporters need to avoid damaging the club by their behaviour at all our matches. There is no room for foul and abusive language aimed at match officials, players, staff, and other supporters.
Unfortunately this is not the first time that this unacceptable behaviour has been reported at an away match this season and therefore it has resulted in this statement. In addition we will make other clubs aware that they will receive the full backing of Arbroath FC in dealing with any of our supporters misbehaving at their grounds. Please support the players, enjoy the games, and if you are in that minority that has resulted in these complaints then please give consideration to other supporters and don’t risk being ejected, and potentially banned, from an away ground or from Gayfield in future. We need all our supporters cheering the players on, pulling together and aiming for another successful season in the Championship.
As a club, we remain committed to upholding strong standards of conduct and promoting the values that define who we are. We ask all our supporters to stand with us in reinforcing these principles as we move forward together.
Thank you for your continued support.
