VIDEO: Grimsby respond to hooligan allegations by The Times after Notts County game

Grimsby Town have chosen to respond to hooligan allegations uncovered by The Times after their recent match at Notts County.

The Mariners have condemned the behaviour of “a minority” of fans after an investigative feature into football hooliganism appeared to show Mariners supporters engaging in drugs, underage drinking and anti-social behaviour.

On Thursday the 10th of February, the media outlet published an investigation piece into hooliganism culture in football, which features clips of Grimsby supporters during their National League match away to Notts County at the weekend.

The article points out the drug use and general disorder from a range of those making their way to the game, including some as young as 12 years old, describing it as “the new face of hooliganism”.

CLUB STATEMENT:

We are extremely disappointed to see some of the footage to appear online in The Times article today, referring to our away fixture at Notts County on 5th February 2022. It is regrettable that a minority of individuals continue to behave in such a way as to taint our fan-base generally.

The perspective of the journalist highlights an important societal issue but once again distorts the picture of our town and negates the positive efforts of many in our community. As a Club, we will be working with the Football Supporters’ Association and our partner agencies, aiming to eradicate poor fan behaviour, taking a tough position but also supporting any of our fans with alcohol and substance abuse issues.

As a Club, we will always do our utmost to get the best possible away ticket allocation for our fans, and resist changes to kick-off times, but footage of this nature directly impacts our efforts. Thank you to the vast majority of our fan base who continue to represent our Club in a positive way.

– STATEMENT ENDS –

Nottingham Forest’s FA Cup tie with East Midlands rivals Leicester City was also looked into, monitoring the behaviours of football fans before, during and after matches.

Twitter users reacted as Grimsby respond to the hooligan allegations by The Times after the Notts County game…

@The_Fenners: EMT knew how many tickets had been sold and trains were packed like sardines. No excuse for some stuff but there was no way everyone could sort their rubbish which was some of the footage. The 8.30 had no problems I’m aware of. As for the on the pitch chant. Nobody tried to.

@kieranturner989: It’s a hit peace which just so happened to catch a working class, low income, northern town In its sights… all feeding on the euros final

@chalkey1973: They didn’t show the Leicester fans taking part in the Olympic sport of throwing tables & chairs at windows. They showed young lads getting off a train pissed up and leaving rubbish behind which I don’t condone

@3Qnutsandrusty1: Exactly right , listening to him on talk sport this morning he made us sound like Viking’s on a raid about to burn the place down. We have been all over this season ask him to speak with the clubs we have visited & nothing but praise

@Mariners58: Get the Times to do a piece on the Leicester fans if they haven’t already done so

@MMorlski: They need to do a piece on @EastMidRailway charging Town fans so much for such a terrible “service”. Only 3 carriages and 1 toilet for 100s. Many having to stand for 2+ hours. Disgusting

@heardaboutit8: The only dangerous thing I witnessed was the inept handling of the concourse by Notts County. Instead of opening up the full thing, they decided to section ends of it off, causing huge bottlenecks, and massive queues for drinks and toilets (with one entrance/exit) #GTFC Not nearly enough staff to serve people. And when they eventually opened up more space it was far too late.

@jackvholmes: glad this statement infers some criticism of the level of journalism behind that piece. just as dangerous to create a hyperbolic situation as it is to ignore it altogether.

@Dandog180876: We were on the 10.39 train from Town and it was standing room only. Some lads gave up there seats for my 10 yr old & wife. Great atmosphere on the train, saw no laws being broken and the Town fans were great with the kids. They loved it. Don’t let the odd photo put you off.

@jamgtfc: Why are we responding to a report of littering? That’s the only bad behaviour I could see in the footage

@Ant_BromleyFC: Didn’t exactly behave themselves at Hayes Lane or when we played at their place either so this statement doesn’t come as any surprise