10th tier club forced to cancel games with stadium ‘completely smashed up’

10th tier club AFC Blackpool have been forced to cancel games with their stadium ‘completely smashed up’ after suffering a break-in earlier.

The non league community club run by volunteers had it’s clubhouse and changing rooms damaged by an unknown group of vandals in a shocking attack.

Unfortunately they cannot claim on the insurance policy as it will massively raise their premiums, so a donation page has been set up so that the non league world as well as those who have a connection to the club, who do plenty for the town with youth football, adult football and community events, can deal with repair costs.

AFC Blackpool wrote via Twitter: “It is with sadness that we write this but unfortunately we have once again been broken into at Jepson Way. If anyone has any information, please get in touch!

Vending machines were also bizarrely damaged, Kevin Quirke (of Blackpool FC’s supporters’ group Tangerine Knights and donationpage creator) said, rather than opting for “anything else” like spirits.

Mr Quirke told LancsLive that the break in had a serious effect on the amateur games, with an upcoming Under-17s game already cancelled as they are unable to house a referee.

He went on to say that the “devastating” break in meant the club was “losing revenue” through both bar and ticket sales.

“It was all about bringing fans and money back in after the pandemic,” he said, “and now this has happened.”

The fundraiser has received 68 donations so far, seeing the £500 goal quickly reached. At present, the club has received £917 in donations to remedy the break in.

You can donate to the fundraiser HERE.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time the North West Counties League Division One North outfit have been the victims of mindless vandalism.

Back in July 2019, thugs left a trail of damage including broken seats, windows and graffiti.

Twitter users gave their reaction with the 10th tier club forced to cancel games with their stadium ‘completely smashed up’…

@mikeysmith1996: Hope you get things sorted soon..

@sykesj1973: Good club so this is out of order.

@patrickwmhullfc: Install a metal door

@jbeavers10: Bastards!! Hope find em

@AFCLiverpoolSC: Who ever done this.. Is a coward and should be made to pay for the damage.. Scumbags!!!! Hope you get things sorted soon..

@nomoresurfin: Dreadful news at the end of what has otherwise been a great week for your club. Commiserations & solidarity.

@KeithHomerk78: Scum bags

@Jackwt10: You’ve got to ask why!? Very frustrating!

@mikeysmith1996: We hope you get sorted soon.. Too many horrible scumbags

@LeeSharps316: People have no idea how much hardwork and dedication goes into clubs like this from volunteers. I hope the people are caught and made to pay for the repairs.

@AFCLiverpoolU18: Absolute scum bags. Who would do this to a community club like this. Absolutely appalling. Whoever you are and if your reading this or even know who did this, hang you saddest heads in shame. Disgusting 🤬😡 I remain professional and hold back what I really think of you scumbags!

@NigeAireValley: Idiots.

@OhNoItsSteve: Some people are absolute scum. Me and junior had a great day there yesterday. We’ve donated. If you can spare a couple of quid, please help a local football club in need.

@mumof12knights: So sad 😞

@efc1978: Fucking rats

@GrahamButterw12: Scum 😡

Anthony Cook: Pondlife!! 🤬

Kate Barlow: How sad 😞

Alison Gledhill: Absolutely disgraceful! So sorry for all those that run the club.

@ForeverAYellow: This is just shocking, how can some people stoop so low to ruin it for the majority, after everything we’ve been through as well, the pandemic etc, times are tough as it is, how there is any chance of the culprit being caught, no club, especially at this level of football should have to suffer this. AFC Blackpool are a much loved, friendly club that doesnt deserve this.

@neilholden7: Absolute wankers 🤬 Shared

@JamieBurtonUK: Hope you catch them. A well-run club, always a pleasure when officiating here. I was there on Saturday and we were informed this has happened a few times. No respect for property.

Craig Whiteley: Joke that 😡, but you need solid fire doors on , egg box doors are no good for external doors or the scum bags will do it again 🙈

Jason Hughes: Disgraceful 😡😡😡

Barbara Perkins: Disgusting, should be hung up by their buster browns, makes me so angry 😠

Because you lot do a great job with anything to do with football clubs and trouble don’t you😂

— The Muckers Supporters Group (@MuckersThe) November 15, 2021