Margate Football Club would like to address a small number of incidents of anti-social behaviour that occurred during our Bank Holiday Monday fixture away at Whitstable Town.
We want our supporters to be passionate, vocal and to enjoy the atmosphere and friendly rivalry that makes football what it is. We want supporters of all ages getting behind the team – singing, making noise and creating an environment that our players can feed off.
However, we also have a responsibility to be clear that there is a line that cannot be crossed. Behaviour that becomes abusive towards staff, aggressive towards others or involves the blatant breaking of ground regulations is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
Unfortunately, on Monday, there were isolated incidents where that line was crossed. These involved a very small number of individuals and are not representative of the overwhelming majority of Margate supporters, who backed the team brilliantly throughout the afternoon.
We are particularly disappointed that some of those involved appeared to be younger supporters who are not regular attendees at Margate matches and who seemingly chose to use the fixture as an opportunity to behave in a way that risks damaging the positive reputation our supporters and the Club.
We would also like to remind all supporters that pyrotechnics, including flares and smoke devices, are prohibited at football grounds. The possession and use of such items at designated football matches can also constitute a criminal offence.
Any supporter identified bringing or using a flare or other pyrotechnic device at a Margate FC fixture, whether home or away, will face action from the Club, which may include a ban from Hartsdown Park.
Our message to supporters is simple:
Keep singing. Keep making noise. Keep backing the boys.
But please support the team in the right way, respect those around you and remember that when you follow Margate FC, you represent the Club.
