The Club is disappointed by a small minority of spectators that are reducing the enjoyment of the matchday experience for others. This is specifically in reference to the use of a flare at this weekend’s FA Cup match against Farnham Town. Not only has this incident presented the Club in a negative manner but will result in an investigation by the Football Association likely leading to a club fine. It is likely the Club will be fined a sum greater than the prize money on offer for this round’s fixture.
It is clear from the feedback received that the majority of our spectators are as disappointed in this behaviour and how it affects the Club as we are. It is particularly disrespectful to the Club’s values that the individual concerned chose a match as public as this one, being broadcast on television, to act with such disregard for the reputation of the Club they supposedly support.
To be clear the possession of flares and any pyrotechnic devices at a football match, be that at home or away, is a criminal offence. The Club is assisting Farnham Town, alongside the Surrey and Metropolitan Police forces, to identify the individual concerned.
In addition to any criminal punishment for this incident, or any future incidents of this nature, supporters should expect to face a club ban. Possession of a flare or similar at a Sutton United match risks a season long ban, with an incident where this is thrown having a 3 season ban. Any incident that leads to injury of any party will result in a lifetime ban.
The Club is grateful to a number of our regular supporters who have assisted both the Club and the police in addressing this matter previously and urges all supporters of the Club to continue to do so. If anyone has any knowledge, or footage, of this particular incident they are encouraged to contact the Club.
Tim Allison
Chief Operating Officer
