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Dover Athletic issue warning to some of the club’s fans over ‘growing number of complaints’ about their conduct at matches at Crabble so far this season

05:00, 19 September 2023

updated: 09:20, 19 September 2023

A warning has been issued by Dover Athletic to their fans over “a growing number of complaints from supporters” about the language used and behaviour of “a very small minority” of their younger fans.

National League South Whites released a statement on Monday, just two days after their FA Cup 3-2 home win over Isthmian Premier Hastings.

Dover’s George Nikaj in home action in a 3-1 loss to Weymouth this month. Picture: Stuart Brock
Dover’s George Nikaj in home action in a 3-1 loss to Weymouth this month. Picture: Stuart Brock

They said verbal warnings had been given to those involved but they aren’t being listened to.

Manager Mitch Brundle’s side have played six of their first 10 matches of the campaign at Crabble and will host another Isthmian Premier team, Haringey, on Saturday, September 30, in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round. Haringey stunned Whites’ rivals, Tonbridge, to earn a 4-2 home success.

The statement read: “The vocal support for the team this season has been loud and proud, and greatly appreciated by Mitch and the team.

“However, we are receiving a growing number of complaints from supporters about the language and behaviour of a very small minority of younger supporters. This is having a detrimental effect on sponsorship and crowd numbers.

“The club has been monitoring the situation and verbal warnings have been issued - but these appear to be having no effect.

“While vocal support is and will always be greatly appreciated, abuse of individuals and excessive foul language will not be tolerated.

“There will be no further verbal warnings issued and offenders will be removed from the stadium, receive a ban and any season tickets will be rescinded with no refund. If police assistance in this matter is required, it will be called upon.

“Please continue to support the team - but always consider others.”

Dover also attached the club’s policy on the matter to their statement.

It reads: “Dover Athletic is an all-inclusive football club.

“We will not tolerate foul and abusive language, aimed at individuals, groups or members of our club.

“We will also not tolerate racist, homophobic, sexist or any other discriminatory language or behaviour.

“Any person behaving in an unacceptable manner will be immediately ejected and will receive a stadium ban.

“Please consider others at all times.”

Second-bottom Whites visit Bath in the league this Saturday.

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