Flint Town United condemn crowd violence which caused game versus Caernarfon to be abandoned

Flint Town United have condemned the crowd violence which caused the abandonment of their home fixture against Caernarfon Town after only 16 minutes today.

The Silkmen were already 2-0 up in the JD Cymru Premier relegation battle at the Essity Stadium when trouble kicked off among supporters.

The players were taken off the pitch, and following conversations between stakeholders and advice from the police, the match was abandoned.

It is reported that two spectators were injured, one seriously, and the North Wales air ambulance was in attendance.

Flint Town United issued the following statement: “As a club we utterly condemn the appalling behaviour of a minority of individuals at today’s game.

“We wish the two people who were injured a speedy and full recovery and would urge anyone with any mobile phone footage of the incidents to contact the police.

“We would like to sincerely thank the paramedics and the club stewards for all their efforts in the immediate aftermath. Both clubs will be fully co-operating with the police to identify those involved. This is a very sad day for everyone connected with Flint Town United.”

Flint chairman Darryl Williams earlier told S4C’s Sgorio, who were broadcasting the game: “It’s completely unexpected. Both sets of supporters were in good voice but this violence came out of nowhere.”

The Football Association of Wales said a decision on any potential new date for the fixture will be communicated in due course.

It was sad indeed to see hooliganism raise its ugly head in the Cymru Premier, but such occurrences are rare in our national league, so one would hope the FAW will not produce a knee-jerk reaction to today’s incident.

It would be sad for potential fans to be put off for fear of similar incidents happening. Neither would it be healthy for crowds to be segregated as that ruins the community and welcoming nature of the Welsh game. The costs of segregation would also hit some clubs hard.

The FAW seem to be fond of handing out fines and one fears they may inflict a heavy punishment on Flint and Caernarfon over this.

Something needs to be done, but a sensible, firm but measured approach rather than a demolition ball retort would surely be for the best.