‘Lads being lads’ or ‘disgraceful’ scenes? The behaviour of some York City fans after this week’s playoff win has sparked a big debate among supporters.
Seats were damaged in the South Stand during the National League North playoff eliminator at the LNER Community Stadium on Wednesday night.
Fans invaded the pitch before and after the final whistle, and at least one flare was thrown.
Meanwhile City’s opponents in the semi-final on Saturday, Brackley Town, have reported abuse by some York fans desperate to get tickets.
City were allocated just 600 away tickets. More than 6,000 attended the home game this week.
City fan @tommyf147 said on Twitter: “So apparently we are getting no more Brackley tickets not only because of the action of some of the minority of the fans last night but also the way Brackley staff have been spoke to on phone/social media this morning.
“Some of our fans need a long hard look at themselves.”
Brackley Town replied: “Sadly this is true.”
The club added on Twitter: “Adult tickets sold out quickly and the volunteers have received abusive calls.”
Incredible atmosphere
Everyone who was at the ground on Wednesday agrees the atmosphere was incredible. Captain Paddy McLaughlin described the atmosphere as “brilliant”, and assistant manager Kingsley James said it was “unbelievable from start to finish”.
While applauding the support Jim Calverley of the York City Supporters’ Trust, told the York Press there would be consequences for the early pitch invasion – and the cost of repairing damaged seats was “money being kept away from the first-team”.
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However, there has been a mixed response from the fan base about what happened.
One witness said the “young lads on the pitch were a disgrace last night. Making our famous football club look a joke” on the York City Supporters Group on Facebook.
There were concerns the early pitch invasion and flare throwing could see the club deducted points next season.
One fan replied: “Whilst vandalism is clearly not to be condoned, IF THAT IT WAS, I actually think that the growing number of mainly young supporters who are coming to games, away as well, is brilliant for City.”
Others suggested that the seat damage was due to the boisterous nature of the young fans jumping up and down, rather than vandalism. And that it wouldn’t have happened had the club been allowed to create a standing terrace at the new stadium.
Here are some other fans’ comments:
After calming down from the game I just think that the two early pitch invasions and the damage to the seating has put a big downer on the end.
The game was delayed, the players couldn’t come out to applaud the magnificent support.
Many younger fans won’t have ever experienced great days for the club such as last night and I’m sure the older adults are maybe forgetting they have also been there and done that.
There’s no excuses for damaging our own stadium or letting and throwing flares within the ground, there will be consequences for the club and those fans need to take responsibility for that
I wonder if all these people moaning about the young lads were ever young once themselves? Or were they born old and miserable?