Merthyr Town Football Club has said it is "appalled" after a group of young supporters surrounded a Marine AFC supporters' bus following their match on Saturday, September 26. The club described the behaviour as "completely unacceptable" and warned that anyone identified as participating in the incident risks a ban from their Penydarren Park stadium.
Incident outside the stadium
The group of 15 youths, aged between 10 and 15, surrounded the Crosby-based club's bus after Marine beat Merthyr Town 2-1 in the away game. According to South Wales Police, the children dispersed without committing any offences, allowing officers to ensure the visiting supporters left without further incident.
Although the incident took place well outside the stadium, the club said behaviour of this nature has no place at Merthyr Town FC, and those responsible are not welcome at the club. The club is reviewing all available information to understand what occurred.
Club statement and new measures
A statement from the board of Merthyr Town FC reads: "Everyone at Merthyr Town Football Club is appalled by the behaviour displayed by a group of young supporters following Saturday's match against Marine. This behaviour is completely unacceptable and does not reflect the values of our club or the conduct of the vast majority of our well behaved and welcoming fans."
The club said it would be considering further matchday measures, including controlled exit procedures at the end of fixtures to support stewarding and safety management. To help identify fans and ensure safety, supporters wearing non-medical face coverings could be refused entry to the stadium, and anyone wearing one in the ground would be asked to leave.
Police response and appeal
A spokesperson from South Wales Police said: "South Wales Police attended the Merthyr Town FC match on Saturday, September 26 as part of our standard patrols. Following the game a group of approximately 15 Merthyr supporters ranging from the age of 10-15 surrounded the away fans' bus which was parked on Bethesda Street. Officers were already in attendance and the youths made off without committing any offences. There was no one on the bus at this time. Officers stayed in the area and made sure that the away fans left without issue."
The club added that it continues to work with South Wales Police, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, and other partner agencies on initiatives designed to improve matchday safety and address wider issues of anti-social behaviour. Any fans with information about what happened following the game have been urged to contact the club directly.
