ALTRINCHAM chairman Graeme Rowley has spoken out about the violence that marred the club’s Blue Square Bet North home game with Chester FC on Bank Holiday Monday.
A Robins fan and a steward were injured during an incident before the kick-off of the game, which finished 4-2 to Chester.
Speaking about preparations for the game and the unsavoury scenes at Moss Lane, Rowley said: “Following comments made after the game between Altrincham FC and Chester FC this afternoon the club would like to make people aware of the preparation that went into holding this game in the weeks leading up to it.
“As with all fixtures that are due to attract large away support I met with the chief steward and the chief safety officer to discuss the requirements for the match.
“Correspondence was entered into with the opposing club as well as the intelligence unit at Greater Manchester Police. Steward numbers were reviewed and intelligence on previous away fixtures for the visiting club was also sought. After a comprehensive review of all the participating parties views it was agreed that the fixture required increased stewarding and 10 extra stewards from Chester were arranged as well as the complement from Altrincham FC.
“Police presence was not requested but the local constabulary were alerted to the potential problems that may arise if the anticipated crowd arrived.
“The incident pre-match was caused due to a small number of Chester fans entering the home end of the ground and provoking resistance to their presence from the home fans.
“Once the situation was noted, swift action was taken to eject the Chester fans and escort them to the away end of the ground. Unfortunately, during this incident an Altrincham fan and one of our stewards were injured and had to be taken to hospital. Everyone at the football club wishes them a swift recovery.
“These incidents are unfortunate and would not have occurred if fans adhered to the segregation that was in place for this game. The reaction of fans to these occurrences is unfortunate but sometimes understandable – the incident will be thoroughly investigated, including looking at video and photographic evidence and appropriate action taken.
“This incident spoiled what was for many an enjoyable afternoon of football and was a very unfortunate occurrence.
“Fans can rest assured that the club does everything in its power to ensure the safety of all fans whilst visiting Moss Lane and will continue to collaborate with all the authorities to ensure that this happens.”
