Forfar Athletic tighten entry rules after youth unrest
Forfar Athletic Clamp Down on Youth Trouble at Station Park
Forfar Athletic have introduced new measures for supporters at their remaining home matches this season after a series of “unacceptable incidents” linked to youth unrest.
The club says the decision follows disturbances during the March 21 game against Spartans at Station Park, with flashpoints involving youths both inside the ground and elsewhere in the town.
For the upcoming home fixture against Elgin City on Saturday, any non-season ticket holders under the age of 16 will only be admitted if accompanied by a paying adult. Supporters arriving at the stadium wearing face coverings will also be asked to remove them, with entry refused to anyone who does not comply.
In a statement released on Monday, the club said: “The behaviour of these young people is not acceptable. While the club has tried to engage and encourage their support, the attendance of police at two recent games has made these measures necessary.”
“We have received numerous emails from residents and businesses and can only apologise. While we cannot be held responsible for their actions away from the football ground, we have engaged with police and passed on CCTV images, which are now under investigation,” the statement said.
The club stressed that the new measures are designed to allow younger supporters to keep attending safely while also reducing pressure on stewards and police.
“We hope supporters understand the reasoning behind these measures and we thank all of our fans for their support this season,” the club added.
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