Post by JimboTheRam on May 4, 2007 19:00:05 GMT -1
Stags sack stewards and apolgise to fans. Mansfield Town today sacked several stewards and issued an apology in the row over the treatment of fans at the Stags' last home game.
The stewards were blasted by hundreds of fans for heavy-handed treatment of young fans - and the row escalated yesterday when Nottinghamshire County Council then stepped in and effectively put the club's future in the Football League in jeopardy over stewarding and safety issues.
But after an internal inquiry today over the scenes at the end of the 2-1 win over Barnet, the club said that some of the stewards would not be at the club next season.
Chairman James Derry said today: "Mansfield Town Football Club are very sorry for any distress caused by the actions of a small minority of stewards
"We have carried out an internal inquiry into the events and, whilst not wishing to prejudice the ongoing Police investigation, we can state that individuals involved will not be at the club next season.
"We await an urgent meeting with the Nottinghamshire County Council representatives to further discuss issues raised by them."
On advice from the club's Safety Advisory Group, the Stags yesterday learned their capacity had been slashed by half to 4,684. That is less than the 5,000 minimum capacity they need to be allowed to play in League football next season.
The club were informed the decision was based on 'the poor standard of stewarding, weak safety management throughout all levels of the club and a lack of proactive approach to safety issues'.
A county council spokeswoman confirmed that 'there were already existing safety concerns' but that 'Saturday's complaints over stewarding were a clear trigger for this decision'.
The complaints included 'heavy-handed stewarding' when young fans who ran on the pitch to celebrate victory at the end were rugby-tackled and manhandled by stewards, with some complaints of assault.
Manager Bill Dearden added: "I didn't know anything about this until someone told me at Notts County last night.
"It needs sorting out as soon as possible. We can't afford to hang about as the League do not mess about."
The stewards were blasted by hundreds of fans for heavy-handed treatment of young fans - and the row escalated yesterday when Nottinghamshire County Council then stepped in and effectively put the club's future in the Football League in jeopardy over stewarding and safety issues.
But after an internal inquiry today over the scenes at the end of the 2-1 win over Barnet, the club said that some of the stewards would not be at the club next season.
Chairman James Derry said today: "Mansfield Town Football Club are very sorry for any distress caused by the actions of a small minority of stewards
"We have carried out an internal inquiry into the events and, whilst not wishing to prejudice the ongoing Police investigation, we can state that individuals involved will not be at the club next season.
"We await an urgent meeting with the Nottinghamshire County Council representatives to further discuss issues raised by them."
On advice from the club's Safety Advisory Group, the Stags yesterday learned their capacity had been slashed by half to 4,684. That is less than the 5,000 minimum capacity they need to be allowed to play in League football next season.
The club were informed the decision was based on 'the poor standard of stewarding, weak safety management throughout all levels of the club and a lack of proactive approach to safety issues'.
A county council spokeswoman confirmed that 'there were already existing safety concerns' but that 'Saturday's complaints over stewarding were a clear trigger for this decision'.
The complaints included 'heavy-handed stewarding' when young fans who ran on the pitch to celebrate victory at the end were rugby-tackled and manhandled by stewards, with some complaints of assault.
Manager Bill Dearden added: "I didn't know anything about this until someone told me at Notts County last night.
"It needs sorting out as soon as possible. We can't afford to hang about as the League do not mess about."
Shame about the capacity though, especially as Chesterfield will be paying a visit.
