Doncaster Rovers fans blasted over £1,000 of damage to stadium seats
Doncaster Rovers fans have been blasted for damaging seats in the club’s Eco Power Stadium – and have also come under fire for unacceptable behaviour towards stewards, fellow fans and an incident in which a young child was nearly injured.
Supporter group Black Bank was forced to issue a statement following problems in the South Stand during Tuesday night’s 1-0 win over Port Vale.
A spokesperson said: “We shared a message from the club about incidents involving our own supporters damaging seats - costing over £1,000 to repair as it stands.
“Unfortunately, after that message was posted, our volunteers witnessed further damage, along with unacceptable behaviour towards matchday stewards, club officials, and fellow supporters.
"At one point, the situation escalated to the extent that a young child was nearly injured.
“Let’s be clear: this is Doncaster Rovers, not Green Street or The Football Factory, we are a proud family club.
"Whilst the club allows a degree of flexibility in how we support the team, there have to be limits. The safety of fellow supporters in attendance cannot be put at risk.
“We will work with the club where directed to identify individuals who repeatedly engage in criminal damage, provoke disorder, or show disrespect to stewards and will fully support any action the club chooses to take, including removing individuals, withdrawing the drum, or issuing banning orders.
“We also encourage supporters who witness antisocial behaviour, please report it by texting 07395 058061, including your row and seat number.
“To help create a strong, sustainable atmosphere, we ask supporters to spread out and stand one person per seat - think about how good the atmosphere was when we went to places like Rotherham and Barnsley where our voices could carry!
"Overcrowding - such as multiple people standing in a single space near the drum - puts both yourselves and others at risk of injury.”
In an earlier message, a Black Bank spokesperson said: “Volunteers have been approached by the club and have been informed that there have been a number of fans damaging the seats in the South Stand during the games.
“We would like to say this is unacceptable.
“The current value of repairs is sat at over £1.000.
“Please don't carry on - money spent on seats can't be then spent on transfers.”