ks chairman laments FA decision (From Kingston Guardian)

ks chairman laments FA decision

10:58am Tuesday 27th July 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

Kingstonian co-chairman Mark Anderson has admitted the Football Association’s decision not to take action against Boreham Wood has left him questioning his involvement with the game.

Former Ks skipper Francis Duku was left in shock after a home fan aimed a punch at him having invaded the pitch during the Ryman League play-off final at Meadow Park in May.

The FA - in a statement last week - have said they will be taking no further action against the club over violent scenes that erupted early in the second-half with the scores level at 0-0.

Boss Alan Dowson’s team went on to lose the game 2-0 with the manager claiming his players had been left fearing for their safety following the clashes.

The fan was escorted from the ground by Hertfordshire police with no charge, but has subsequently been issued with a lifetime ban from Wood’s ground.

Ks had appealed in the hope of the match to be replayed, and Anderson feels the club has been let down by the football authorities.

”The response we have had demonstrates our concerns have not been taken seriously,” he said.

“While I can accept us losing our appeal with regards to the match, other serious issues should have been addressed for the greater good.

“It is widely known Boreham Wood have suffered crowd trouble on a number of previous 'big match' occasions. The unwillingness of the FA to take action will allow that to happen again there and elsewhere.

“Our supporters were threatened before, during and after the match. Our players were more concerned about their safety than they were the game, and my coach driver was subjected to abuse from the opponents' youth team.

“All we now receive is a response that treats us with what looks like contempt and disdain. It makes me wonder if it might be time to look at something else to do with my life.”

Dowson, who watched a Bobby Traynor brace and an Adam Thompson strike give his side a 3-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday, was also furious.

“That wasn't footballers affecting a football match and it could now set a very dangerous precedent at this level,” he warned.

However, the FA consider the case closed, although it warned Boreham Wood over the future behaviour of its fans.

“After a full review of the facts in this case, the FA has decided not to take any further action in this matter,” said the FA’s senior stadia safety and security manager Chris Whalley.

“Boreham Wood FC have been advised that we may have to consider disciplinary action against the club if further reports of spectator misconduct should be received.”

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)