In home games last season, there were incidents involving a flare, some coin throwing and fans encroaching on to the field of play. Accordingly, we have been requested to remind fans about our ground regulations.

These regrettable incidents are contrary to our ground regulations, as published on our official website on 12^th October last year, and again last week.

The pertinent regulations are as follows:

“The following articles must not be brought within the Ground – knives, fireworks or any other pyrotechnics, smoke canisters, air-horns, flares, weapons, dangerous or hazardous items, laser devices, glass bottles, glass vessels, cans, poles, any articles that are prohibited by the Rules and Regulations, and any article that might be used as a weapon and/or compromise public safety. Any person in possession of such items will be refused entry to (or ejected from) the Ground.”

And

“Under the Football (Offences) Act 1991 (as amended) the following are offences for which a person can be arrested by a police officer and conviction could result in a Banning Order being made under the Football Spectators Act 1989 (as amended): The list is non-exhaustive.

“The throwing of any object within the Ground without lawful authority or excuse;

“The entry onto the playing area or any adjacent area to which spectators are not generally admitted without lawful authority or excuse.”

We should be very clear. Those responsible for such incidents simply do not care about our club, our reputation or the safety of our fans and we do not want them at our matches. The club will work with the stewards and police to ensure that these matters are addressed and the individuals will be banned from future matches.

Ensuring the safety of our supporters and staff is always of paramount importance to Darlington FC 1883. If such behaviour was to continue, the reality is it would only be a matter of time before serious injury is caused and the club in turn would be punished by the league and/or the FA. We will not allow safety to be compromised of the well-behaved and sensible majority by the actions of a tiny minority.