Altrincham CEO Sam Mackenzie issues clarification after fans react to what they called a ‘bizarre’ statement on incidents at recent matches.
A message was posted from the club’s social media as they prepared to welcome supporters to Non League Day on Saturday at the J. Davidson Stadium.
They take on National League leaders Barnet, and made it clear they they would not tolerate any anti-social behaviour in any form whatsoever.
But after plenty of reaction on their Facebook page to the initial statement put out, the CEO has since ‘taken on board the feedback to it and wanted to take a moment to provide further context.’
A message from CEO Sam Mackenzie…
“As we look forward to opening the doors at The J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday and welcoming our wonderful fans, old and new, our community champions and juniors and away supporters to our Non League Day celebrations, we wish to make it clear we will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour in any form whatsoever.
“Any verbal abuse, violent conduct or disruptive behaviour will result in disciplinary action as we endeavour to maintain a safe and respectful environment for fans, staff, players and volunteers.
“We want to remind supporters the use of pyrotechnics is illegal; it is an offence to bring them into a football ground and use them during a game.
“Should anyone engage in this behaviour, they will be subject to legal action and sanctions.
“We are working hard behind the scenes to make this a very special day as we celebrate everything that is marvellous about Non League Day, and we very much hope everyone will thoroughly enjoy the occasion in a safe and welcoming environment.
“The statement has been made due to incidents at previous games involving coins and eggs being thrown.”
The second statement read: “We’ve taken on board the feedback to yesterday’s message and wanted to take a moment to provide further context.
“Over the past few weeks, there have been several incidents – including objects such as coins, eggs, and lighters being thrown – which have understandably raised concern. Some of these have occurred inside the stadium, and following a number of formal complaints and a meeting with Greater Manchester Police, we were obliged to issue a reminder about stadium regulations.
“We want to be absolutely clear: this reminder was never intended as a criticism of our supporter base as a whole. We know that 99.9% of Alty fans come to matches to support the team in the right way — with passion, energy, and respect. It’s because of that incredible support that Moss Lane is such a special place on matchdays.
“Our intention was simply to reinforce the importance of safety for everyone in and around the ground. We remain proud of our fans and grateful for your continued backing — home and away.
“Thank you for your understanding.”
This is how fans reacted before and after the Altrincham CEO issues clarification after fans react to the ‘bizarre’ statement on incidents at matches…
Alex Winstanley: The fact a secondary statement has been written shows that no thought was put into the initial one. Please proofread the writing and understand perspective in future.
Dec Cavanagh: Much better. Up the robins.
Owen Roberts: Fans taking stick off the manager in his interviews, taking stick from the club on it’s channels. Keep hearing about fans being the lifeblood of the club but you never miss an opportunity to damage relationships and show us we don’t actually matter at all. Home and away, week in and week out, we keep this club going and you never once miss a chance to put the boot it.
Greg Suligowski: Altrincham Football Club, happy to help with some comms and crisis comms consultancy if you need it. Appreciate these sorts of things are challenging and as fans we all want you to do it well.
Nick Smith: Thank you for listening. Communication is very important
Andy Colbridge: Tbh it’s a bit sad but perhaps a sign of the times that the club felt they had to clarify. As a fanbase we can be a little sensitive and nitpicky or dare i say woke for the sake of it at times. Surely the 99.9% of us knew it wasn’t aimed at us?!? As for being having a pop at… some of the comments on here about individual players are far from constructive and warrant a backlash imo. If someone at work made similar remarks about me I’d expect my manager to defend me. God forbid any of us have a bad day at work! And no I’m not a happy clapper…. just able to apply some perspective before throwing the baby out with the bath water. We’ve got one of the best management teams in non-league who when I last looked last signed a contract extension in June 23 for 2 years… Be careful what you wish for! Up the Robins!!!
Ian Rosendaal: What an absolutely bizarre statement to put out when the fans have supported the team so well, especially after the recent poor run of results. Lots of talk about pulling together after the Wealdstone game, only to release a statement that reads like a teacher telling kids to behave on a school trip.
Owen Roberts: “Come to Alty, the community club! Anyway here’s a message from our CEO about a non-existent problem that’s likely to put people off”.
Michael Butt: I’m confused. Do we have to be ‘yes sir, no sir, 3 bags full, sir’ regardless of the performance, because nothing I saw after Tuesday was out of line, and when we’ve put hard miles in supporting the team recently, we have every right to voice our disappointment when things were as lacklustre as that second half. As for the fireworks, they were coming from somewhere the other side of the allotments
Mark Murray: I don’t feel patronised at all
Dec Cavanagh: Bit weird
Iason Man: ‘Keep your opinions outside the turnstiles’
Chris Maddon: Odd post but thanks for clarifying ✌🏻
Tom Murray: how is it possible to be so out of touch with the fanbase
Aaron Leaff: Weird statement
David Parker: Fireworks outside the ground and I feel we are being short changed at present. Need more narrative from the club
Paul Hutson: Odd as
Jonathan Moore: I mean, the fireworks wernt on the clubs property so bit of an odd statement
Angela Moore: Very strange post. Please could you clarify what has prompted this?
You must be logged in to post a comment Login