Maidstone United to reintroduce segregation at the Gallagher Stadium
18:03, 05 August 2019
updated: 08:42, 06 August 2019
Maidstone are to reintroduce segregation after only one game of the National League South season.
United intended to limit segregation to five matches but incidents during Saturday's game against Weymouth, when fans mixed in the Town End, have forced their hand.
The situation was discussed at a meeting this morning and chief executive Bill Williams has confirmed the return of segregation.
He said: "The crowd on Saturday was by far the highest in our division, with just over 2,000 people.
"This was a wonderful achievement and our thanks go to all our fans for their great support.
"Having this first game as non-segregated brought about one or two issues that the club was unhappy about.
"Supporters’ safety has and always will be paramount here at Maidstone United and there were times on Saturday – given the large number of people – that our safety team felt this could have been jeopardised.
"Following a debrief this morning, which involved key safety partners, and after much deliberation, the club has decided that in the interest of everyone here at Maidstone United, particularly our fans, all future home games will be segregated.
"We all know people who support different teams and part of the beauty of our sport is ribbing them if your side gets a result over theirs.
"Bragging rights are a badge of pride and while we still want that to remain, we feel the positives of segregation and supporter safety outweigh the alternative.
"Thank you for your understanding."
