Runcorn Linnets apologises to Macclesfield and Robbie Savage for misbehaviour from fans

Runcorn Linnets apologises to Macclesfield and Robbie Savage for misbehaviour from fans following Tuesday night’s meeting.

The two sides face off as the Cheshire Senior Cup quarter-final win for Runcorn over Macclesfield with the hosts winning 2-1 in front of 482 fans.

Sam Heathcote broke the deadlock for Runcorn after 21 minutes, with Sean O’Mahony doubling their lead nine minutes later, then Navid Nasseri scored from the spot 10 minutes later to get one back for the Silkmen, but they couldn’t get that equaliser.

Fans had some fun with Robbie Savage before the game, lighthearted banter as can be seen below, but it was post-match that things turned sour…

Welcome to Murdishaw @RobbieSavage8

Love us lads 😘⚽️

12p each those stickers @RuncornLinnets @thesilkmen #theoriginalmassive pic.twitter.com/S1lRur7DAO

— Murdishaw Massive (@MurdishawM) February 28, 2023

CLUB STATEMENT

We have been made aware of some disturbing behaviour from a small number of our supporters after Tuesday’s Cheshire Senior Cup victory over Macclesfield.

It has been reported that Macc’s director of football, Robbie Savage was verbally abused by fans, who had congregated by the tunnel as players and officials left the field with an allegation being made that he was spat at.

A further post-match incident, on the club car park, has been reported. This involved Mr Savage again being subjected to words of abuse as he prepared to leave the site with a sticker being placed on the window of a car belonging to Robert Smethurst, the Macclesfield FC owner.

Linnets chairman Peter Cartledge has condemned the actions of those responsible, insisting that any such incidents will not be tolerated.

He said: “Runcorn Linnets take any reports of crowd misconduct very seriously. There is no place for such behaviour at APEC Taxis Stadium and we will not allow the club’s good reputation and relationships with other clubs to be damaged by such actions.

“We take a pride in the welcome afforded to all, who visit the stadium.

“We love the loud, raucous and unwavering support of our fans but this behaviour goes beyond that. It is completely unacceptable.

“I am disgusted by what happened and sincerely apologise to Robert Smethurst, Robbie Savage, Macclesfield FC and anyone else who might have been affected by this.

“If it comes to light who the culprits are, we will have no hesitation in banning them from our ground for all future matches.”

This is what social media users said as Runcorn Linnets apologises to Macclesfield and Robbie Savage for misbehaviour from fans…

@linnetsraider1: We all heard the chants, most would agree the majority of it was on the cusp of banter / a bit too far. The minority few by tunnel who did cross the line, we hope see sense in the future keep it on the level #NonLeague #Respect

@commanderboyle: Whatever you thought about @RobbieSavage8 as a player I can say that when he visited our club last season he was great. Mingled and chatted with the home fans and by all accounts was an absolute gent behind the scenes.

@MurdishawM: Totally unacceptable, don’t cross the line at the football, support don’t abuse… MM🔰

@joannej1970: I’m disgusted by this behaviour we are a brilliant club and this is not what linnets are about there is banter then there is thuggish behaviour

@chrishulme01: Absolute scum bags, no need for it at all

@alexmorrell7: your assistant manager literally swilled one of our fans 😂 grown man spraying water at kids. he’s the scumbag.

@LinnetsUpdates: And a group of our fans did the same to Maccs players in the tunnel at full time. I know because I was the steward stood there who also got soaked. Both were in the wrong.

@KarlKavanagh69: Sorry to hear this can assure you @RobbieSavage8 this is not the norm at this club we can only apologise

@alexmorrell7: i’m not justifying what a small minority did, im just saying as a grown man surely retaliating like that isn’t on?

@Finders82: We enjoy the banter and the acceptable side of football. But you got to know where the line is people and don’t cross it because it only reflects badly on the individual

@Bradley68239282: Bit of a double standard considering savage waits by the tunnel for the refs every game to abuse them?

@DeanWoolley1902: Does Savage spit at them though? If the alleged spitting incident happened, it’s the lowest of lows and completely unacceptable!!

Vegar Holmen: I have never understood this kind of behaviour from fans. Yes we all get passionate and vocal supporting our team. That is what makes football the great sport it is. But it is not an excuse for abuse and violent behaviour. As supporters of Macclesfield FC we should rise above it, welcome them to the game here. Show them how it is done and what a great club we have. Retaliation will only causes repercussions.
Rob Sav hope you and Robert Smethurst are ok. Thank you for all your work at the club and know that we as supporters are fully behind you. Come on the Silkmen and a victory at 1874 Northwich this afternoon 🤩

Star Lane End: To be fair to the club, they’ve condemned it. Agree with welcoming fans in normal way with facilities but should totally look to do them on the pitch and make enough noise to drown them out!

Dave Burt: Awful town awful fans. Let’s give them a nice warm welcome in a couple of weeks.

Dan Arrowsmith: Only need to see the runcorn fans on twitter to see what they are all about.. Tired of these poxy little clubs, roll on the proper leagues!

David Westbury: Shocking. Hope you’re ok Rob Sav? Didn’t go on Tuesday having made the decision I’d never revisit the s***-***e after our “welcome” back in November. Horrible ground. Horrible fans. What is it with these mid-Cheshire teams?! I travel to 1874 this afternoon with some trepidation.