‘Unprecedented’ action will be taken against football fans who ‘mar’ county showpieces, warns Lincolnshire FA chairman Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam
It’s time to get tough on football fans who abuse officials and damage facilities, with the chairman of Lincolnshire FA warning of ‘unprecedented’ sanctions.
Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam, who became a household name for his role as England’s deputy deputy chief medical officer during the Covid pandemic - said the authority would not hesitate to dish out bans to the ‘tiny minority’ of supporters who blighted this season’s county cup competitions.
He also warned clubs may see their applications to take part in competitions rejected.
“A County Cup final is a joyous and momentous occasion for all those who play, who coach, who spectate and who officiate; it is a showcase of the best in our area each season,” Sir Jonathan said in an open letter to the grassroots football community.
“On too many occasions this year, whilst we saw the best of Lincolnshire on the pitch, the same could not be said off it.
“A number of county cup finals were marred by poor spectator behaviour, abuse towards match officials, damage to stadia facilities, abuse of matchday staff and volunteers.
“Pitch invasions, and pyrotechnics are some examples of the poor behaviour seen in the last few weeks.”
Sir Jonathan, a keen supporter of local football and a dedicated Boston United fan, said punishments will be in place for fans or clubs who ruin the experience for others.
“Please allow me to be absolutely clear. This cannot, and will not, be tolerated,” he continued.
“I would like to make it clear to everyone, that should we see this sort of behaviour in future, it could result in clubs having their county cup entry applications rejected.
“Bans will be imposed should a club’s supporters be responsible for unacceptable behaviour.
“While this sort of response from me and my board may seem unprecedented - enough is enough - we won’t see the county cup experience ruined for those who come out to have a good time and conduct themselves appropriately while supporting their teams.
““It must of course be fully acknowledged, that those who were unable to conduct themselves appropriately this year were in a tiny minority, and so I would like to place on record my gratitude to those who came out and supported both their club and grassroots football in Lincolnshire across the 15 finals held this season - which saw approximately 4,000 spectators.”
The 2023/24 season was a record-breaking campaign for Lincs FA, with 15 competitions played across open age and youth football, as well as the county Disability Cup, which was launched this season.
“All this resulted in the most County Cup competitions Lincolnshire has ever seen, reflecting the love and passion we all share for the County Cups - and long may this continue,” Sir Jonathan added.
Despite his frustration at some fan behaviour, the county FA chair was quick to praise the growth of the sport in the area.
Between 2021 and 2024 female participation has grown 46.5%, disability participation has grown 55.7%, male participation has grown 18.8% and, equally as importantly, the number of registered referees has grown 24.4%.
But Lincs FA are not resting on their laurels and have promised to announce plans to support and grow the game further across the next fours in the coming weeks.
“At the beginning of this season, I made it clear how I wanted our board meetings, and the work of the board, to be more visible across the county,” continued Sir Jonathan continued, who plans for future meetings to be held across the county, rather than just in Lincoln.
Sir Jonathan also used his letter to thank those who make the beautiful game so great.
“I would like to thank you all for your participation in our local game across the 2023/24 season,” he added.
“Many of you have joined our One Football Community this season, and many of you have continued to show inspirational commitment and dedication to growing the game, and making football happen in Lincolnshire.
Whether you are a player, coach, referee, club or team official, league official, grounds person, matchday volunteer, or hold any of the other essential roles in grassroots football in our area - I would like to send my personal thanks and gratitude for the part you play,” he added.
“Without your commitment and dedication, football doesn’t happen and that can never be underestimated.”