Clapton Football Club is coming under increasing disciplinary action as a result of the lighting of flares, pyros, fireworks etc (however, you wish to describe them) at both home and away matches. On Wednesday 21st January 2015 the Management of Clapton FC was required to attend a meeting with the Essex Senior League. This meeting was to address the concerns of the League and other authorities regarding the Club. The majority of the discussion related to the Club’s supporters and the concerns around the continued letting off of flares, pyros, etc.
Dear Friends and supporters,
On Wednesday 21st January 2015 the Management of Clapton FC was required to attend a meeting with the Essex Senior League. This meeting was to address the concerns of the League and other authorities regarding the Club. The majority of the discussion related to the Club’s supporters and the concerns around the continued letting off of flares, pyros, etc.
The Essex Senior League has stated quite clearly that the vast majority of the Clapton fans are fantastic and people enjoy coming to our ground and the atmosphere created. However the letting off of these flares, pyros etc are against the rules laid down. The Club has already received a number of fines and is facing escalating fines of £500 and £1,000 for failure to control its supporters, both at home and away matches.
Since that meeting, the Club has received four separate notifications of disclipinary action around the setting off of flares, pyros, fireworks (however, you wish to describe it). We are yet to receive the final decisions.
I am aware that there has been some discussion around whether the type of object being lit falls under the rules. However, until we are told differently by the Leagues and Associates under which we are regulated, then we (the Club and its supporters) must follow the rules laid down.
Furthermore, the match officials are within their rights to abandon the game if this type of incident occurs – the penalty against the club would be very hard!
Being a member of the Football Association, a responsible club and in accordance with the rules and criteria for entering the League, the following rules will now apply to anyone wanting to enter the Old Spotted Dog Stadium:
- Individuals maybe be asked to open any bags or containers.
- SIA badge holder personnel on the gate may require you to be searched prior to entry.
- No flares, pyros or any other object of this nature is to be taken or let off in any part of the grounds or area of the Old Spotted Dog Stadium.
- No drinks to be taken into the ground.
- Individuals are asked not to bring into the ground any political material.
Please seek advice from any Clapton Stewards if you are uncertain on any matters.
We respectfully ask that all visitors to Clapton Football Club abide by these rules.
Thank you.
Vincent McBean
Chief Executive
