Merthyr Town Football Club said they were left "appalled" following an incident involving a group of young supporters after a match on Saturday. The group of 15 10-15-year-olds surrounded the Marine AFC supporters bus after the Merseyside-based club beat Merthyr Town Football Club 2-1.
Police confirm no offences committed
South Wales Police said the group of young supporters left without committing any offences, and said police officers were subsequently able to make sure the away fans left without any further issues. Merthyr Town FC said the behaviour was "completely unacceptable", and said anyone who they identified as having been involved in the incident could face being banned from the club's Penydarren Park ground.
The club also said they would be considering further matchday measures. They said that 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.
Club statement condemns behaviour
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."
"Although the incident took place well outside the stadium, behaviour of this nature has no place at Merthyr Town FC, and those responsible are not welcome at our football club. The club is reviewing all available information to understand what occurred.
"Anyone identified as engaging in unacceptable conduct will face appropriate club sanctions, including potential exclusion from Penydarren Park. Any relevant information can be shared with the appropriate authorities. We are also considering further steps around our match day operations. Where necessary, the club may implement controlled exit procedures at the end of fixtures to support stewarding and safety management."
"In addition, supporters wearing non medical face coverings may be refused entry to the stadium, and anyone found inside the ground with such coverings will be asked to leave. This measure is being introduced to assist identification and ensure the safety of all attendees."
The statement added: "The club recognises that anti-social behaviour is a much wider issue than football alone. We continue to work closely with South Wales Police, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, and other partner agencies on a range of initiatives designed to improve match day safety and address wider issues of anti social behaviour."
Police response and appeal for information
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. We continue to work with Merthyr Town Football Club and other partners to provide a safe environment for supporters on match day."
Any fans who might have any information about what happened following the game on Saturday, September 26 have been urged to contact the club directly.
