Allegations of ‘serious crowd trouble’ have been made following Salford City’s Non-League Day clash against bottom side Braintree Town.
The visitors have made a report to the National League and the FA over claims of ‘severe intimidation and physical assault’ directed at their travelling supporters after the dramatic 2-2 draw at Moor Lane.
We understand that Salford are currently investigating the allegations made by Braintree, looking at whether their fans were involved.
Braintree chairman, Lee Harding said on the clubs official website: “I asked to speak to the safety officer or a senior steward and was met with an abusive response. I replied that I was the visiting club chairman and concerned about the well being of our supporters.”
Mr. Harding revealed in his statement that he had met with the Salford City Chairman, Karen Baird. He said: “I explained to her what I had seen and what I had been told had happened. I advised that I would be contacting both the League and The FA on Monday and would copy my comments to her.”
In a statement issued alongside the Chairman’s report, Braintree have alleged: “The total present were 40 to 60 Braintree fans in total. After the game they were directed towards an exit and up a walkway towards their coach.
“There appears to have been only one apparently inexperienced steward supervising this and the Braintree Town supporters were immediately confronted by a group of home supporters who then set about them.
“The witnesses state that they were subjected to severe intimidation and physical assault.”
Some fans have targeted Class of 92 member, and part owner of Salford City Gary Neville on twitter.
@GNev2 What do you make of your Salford ‘fans’ thuggery after the game yesterday? Injuring a disabled lad is not cool and I’d like to think you’re going to do something about it.
— Kieren Moore (@kie_moore) October 14, 2018
Chairman Mr Harding continued: “In my experience, Braintree supporters rarely seek confrontation and will have been a little subdued after conceding a late equaliser. The stewarding arrangements for a crowd approaching 3,000 did appear to be lacking and those that were ‘in position’ did appear to be inexperienced.
“Those stewards or staff that I spoke with were either confrontational or struggling to meet their basic responsibilities.”
@GNev2 shame on Salford supporters attacking braintree town supporters, including one lad who has autism, what’s going to be done about this, as believe it happened more than once before
— Jonathan Rathe (@jonrathe1) October 14, 2018
Salford City have been contacted regarding the allegations but have yet to formally respond. It has not been confirmed that Salford City fans were involved in any incident. GMP have also been contacted but are yet to reply.
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