Wrexham AFC shares the excitement of its supporters as we approach the final league games of 2021/22, as well as our upcoming trip to Wembley Stadium, but would like to remind supporters of the potential safety implications and consequences that may occur as a result of pitch incursions and other illegal and unacceptable behaviour, at both home and away fixtures.
Supporters who encroach on the pitch risk facing a Football Banning Order as well as a criminal conviction, while the Club itself could also face a fine for these actions. Indeed, behaviour of this nature has resulted in fines totalling more than £5,000 during this season alone, with the outcome of further cases against the Club still pending.
There may also be other implications for the Club, including restrictions on future away ticket allocations. This is due to potential safety measures the home Club are required to put in place which impacts on the availability of seating.
It should be noted that Wrexham AFC will seek to recoup the cost of any future fines – and damage caused to Club property - from any individuals who are deemed to have engaged in unacceptable behaviour.
The Club understands the emotion and passion that comes with attending the match as a fan, but must reiterate that the safety of players, managers and supporters on both sides remains our priority.
The vast majority of fans have – and continue to – support the Club in an appropriate manner and are a credit to Wrexham AFC, but we will seek the strongest possible punishment for those who enter the field of play during matches, or engage in any other unacceptable behaviour. This includes the use of illegal substances and pyrotechnics, and the throwing of missiles, which has resulted in various banning orders this season.
To date, there have been 13 full court-issued Football Banning Orders this season for incidents at matches involving Wrexham AFC, as well as 29 bans issued by the Club, with some pending ongoing investigations.
Those attending fixtures at the Racecourse Ground are asked not to bring a bag to matches unless necessary, with small bags to be searched and tagged by security staff. Fans should note that random searching may also be undertaken on entry to the stands.
The Club would like to thank all supporters for their co-operation in this area, and would also like to thank North Wales Police and other local authorities for their continued support and assistance in dealing with these matters.
We look forward to the remaining games of the current campaign and continuing to foster a safe, family-friendly environment for all supporters.