Leyton Orient have took to issue a statement after an incident which occurred in the stands at AFC Wimbledon leaves fans reeling at stewards.
There was scenes described as ugly scenes in the away end of Plough Lane just before full time. of the League Two clash
A number of Leyton Orient fans were lead out by police and stewards, but fans have since explained what happened including what they saw.
Ugly scenes in the away end just before full time.
Multiple Leyton Orient fans lead out by police and stewards. #LOFC #AFCW pic.twitter.com/NDM3JmxZsK
— London Football Scene (@LDNFootieScene) November 8, 2022
LEYTON ORIENT STATEMENT
Following the use of a pyrotechnic at Leyton Orient’s game at AFC Wimbledon last night, Chief Executive Mark Devlin has issued the following statement…
“It was fantastic to see another wonderful following backing the team at AFC Wimbledon last night, and once again we thank you all for your support for Richie Wellens and his team,” said Devlin.
“However, in the second half, a smoke bomb was thrown onto the pitch, and a subsequent ejection was made from the ground.
“This behaviour is unacceptable for a number of reasons. Not only will using pyrotechnics see the club face sanctions as a result, but the danger these can cause spectators is widely publicised.
“These items are illegal to bring inside a football stadium, and those caught with them, or using them, will be subject to a ban from attending football games.
“Pyrotechnics and flares can burn at up to 2,000°C and cause serious injuries to those who carry them and fellow spectators.
“The Club takes a zero tolerance approach with regards to pyrotechnics, and will work closely with the authorities in sanctioning the individuals involved.”
The Club is aware of reports from social media of alleged unfair treatment of our supporters by stewards at the Cherry Red Records Stadium following this incident.
We have reached out directly to AFC Wimbledon to understand more about the response from their stewarding team, and better understand the situation.
AFC WIMBLEDON STATEMENT:
As a club we take a zero tolerance approach to the use of pyrotechnics at our matches and action has been taken against a visiting supporter who attended this week, following the throwing of a flare onto the pitch during the game.
The individual has been charged and will appear in court later this year. In line with guidelines implemented by all 72 EFL clubs, the individual will be subject to a potential three-year football banning order.
As a fan owned club, AFC Wimbledon wants to create a great experience for all fans, this starts with them feeling safe and secure in our stadium.
Following feedback from a number of away fans, we have reviewed the stewarding and with immediate effect the Club will be working with a different agency.
We will continue to ensure that fans behave in accordance with our ground regulations, but want them to leave having had a positive off pitch experience so that they return in the future.
The game itself saw Ayoub Assal star as the hosts shocked the league leaders Leyton Orient at Plough Lane.
Orient was in control early on but Wimbledon broke the deadlock 19 minutes in, Assal seeing his shot deflected looping past goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux for his fifth goal in six matches.
Assal was again involved as the Dons went 2-0 up in the 35th minute, his blocked shot falling into the path of Harry Pell – who hit the ball into the top corner.
Tom James and Ruel Sotiriou had chances for the visitors but there was nothing clear-cut for Orient in a frustrating first half.
The O’s started the second half strongly and nearly got one back through Theo Archibald, whose shot was headed off the line by Wales international Chris Gunter.
Meanwhile, Wimbledons had two good chances for a third, with Ryley Towler’s header going just wide and Ethan Chislett seeing his free-kick smash the post.
Substitute Jordan Brown thought he had pulled one back for Orient late on, but it was ruled out on what was ultimately a frustrating night for Richie Wellens’ side.
Twitter users reacted as Leyton Orient issue statement after an incident in the stands at AFC Wimbledon which leaves fans reeling at stewards…
@Yewbee_: Wimbledon stewards at it again… #colu
@EJShepherd6: Wimbledon stewards causing problems shock horror 🙄 #ColU
@AdamLaw05: There stewards are back at it 😭 #colu
@SA1903_: Worst stewards I’ve ever come across. You’d think we went to war in fucking Ukraine by the amount of them there was. Very strange club
@alf_pasty: When you don’t lose often you tend to take losing badly 🤷🏼♂️👀 #LOFC
@darenreisman: 🎶 Who the fuck are Leyton Orient 🎶
@DanielFactor13: Jeez that’s not what we wanna see.
@PoppyGibbs03: I love how they think this is ugly
@ReadieQB9: Unreal stewarding, proper mouthing off and trying to cause grief, then crying when fans got up for it. Melts.
@AdamMeagher: Exactly what they wanted all night. Fucking jobsworths.
@TimScales94: I have absolutely zero idea of what happened/caused this but I tell you what, the stewards were trying to make it impossible to leave from either exit after the game. Couldn’t get through because of this ruckus and then tried fencing us in when we tried to use the other exit.
@mattld19: those stewards are arseholes tbf
@wwfcdrummer: The stewards look awful ready to fight when I went they pushing everyone around
@hangover1990: Can’t wait for our visit one week before Xmas
@BRL__7: They’ve not changed then
@RussWWFC: Stewarding has always been bad at AFC Wimbledon. More suited to being riot police than football stewards.
@clifty04: Imagine my shock… This is what happens when you employ a security firm to be your stewards. Having a group of jobs worth nightclub bouncers isn’t going to prevent crowd trouble, it just generates it! This will continue until @AFCWimbledon employ actual stewards!
@ElliottArbon: These Wimbledon stewards need sorting out. Every week there is a new video of them mistreating fans
@wilko300: Thought the stewarding/security was over the top tonight. Stewards should be seen n not heard n definitely shouldn’t be laughing n goading fans.
@Harperdon8: They’ve been bad to our own fans in the opposite end. Sorry you had to experience that, safe journey home 👍
@SiWheeler78: All started by a pyro being thrown onto the pitch. Criminal offence to do it & some Orient fans reacted badly when police and stewards went into crowd to apprehend culprit.
@andywalker486: The flare incident was completely independent from the altercation between the fan and the steward. The latter had been underway for several minutes before the flare was thrown.
I was literally right behind it I got a video pic.twitter.com/ERlVdRtgpL
— Youcef 💫 (@TheOfficialY1B_) November 8, 2022
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