Harborough Town FC Issues Bans After Anti-Social Behaviour

Harborough Town FC has banned a number of people from attending matches following anti-social behaviour incidents.

The club says incidents happened both inside and around the ground during last Saturday’s National League North fixture against AFC Telford United, as well as in Market Harborough town centre later that evening.

In a joint statement, the Harborough Town Football Board and Harborough Town Community Trust said the club had worked with Leicestershire Police to identify a small number of people involved.

The statement said: “After careful viewing of video footage, bodycam footage and photos, the football club along with the help of Leicestershire Police have identified a number of persons that were intent on causing anti-social behaviour, both inside and around the ground, as well as an incident in the town Centre, later that evening.”

“These people will be banned from attending Harborough Town FC matches with immediate effect, for the remainder of this season and possibly beyond.”

Leicestershire Police attended the Commons Car Park and Memorial Gardens after receiving reports of up to 30 youths running through the area at around 5.15pm.

A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said: “Police were in attendance in Harborough Town Centre on Saturday afternoon (12 September) after it was reported a large group of youths were in the area, some of which were acting in an anti-social manner.

“The group had been in attendance at the Harborough Town vs AFC Telford football game earlier that day.

“No criminal offences were reported.

“Local officers have been working with Harborough Town FC to identify those within this group and further enquiries continue surrounding this.

“Patrols plans are currently being reviewed around home match games and anyone who witnessed any ASB related incidents are encouraged to report the matter to police.

“Leicestershire Police will continue to work with the club to ensure public safety, and the club are working to ban those who are intent on causing anti-social behaviour.”

Details of those banned will also be passed to security officers and police at away grounds.

The club says any further anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and similar banning orders will be imposed if further incidents occur.

The statement said the club is a community club and that “Football should be enjoyed by all, in a safe and enjoyable environment.”

Harborough Town has also introduced additional measures for under-14s attending matches at the Community Football Ground.

Under Step 2 regulations, anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult when entering a National League ground.

The club says supporters who appear to be under 14 and arrive without an adult may be asked to provide proof of their age and identity before being allowed into the ground.

The club says it is a shame the actions of a very small minority have led to the measures being introduced, but it wants to ensure everyone can attend matches safely and without incident.

It thanked supporters for their understanding and says it looks forward to welcoming fans to the Beehive for this Saturday’s FA Cup fixture against Rushall Olympic.