Sparks has revealed that the club’s policing costs will rise by 100 per cent in 2022-23 due to several instances of disorder by a minority of City supporters last term.
At the start of last season, only one City fan had received a football banning order (FBO) as a result of misconduct on a matchday.
However, following a series of incidents last season, that figure has now risen to 10, with seven arrests made last week in connection with the March trip to Hartlepool United, with the possibility of this number rising to 17.
CEO Ryan Sparks said: “Our support, in general, is fantastic. At home and away, our fans always make us proud and behave impeccably.”
“Sadly, however, a small minority, and the incidents that occurred over the course of the last season, are beginning to tarnish our reputation.
“There were a number of incidents towards the end of 2021-22 where supporters behaved in an unacceptable manner and arrests followed, leading to charges and suspensions.
“This is a developing situation and not in the right direction, which is having a considerable impact on the club’s finances from a law enforcement perspective.
“Last season our policing costs amounted to £23,610.30. This figure is likely to rise by 100 per cent for the coming campaign, given recent events, and this will have a ripple effect. It is certainly frustrating, when can often be the difference between landing a transfer target or coming up short.
“The financial implications are beyond our control. When the match list is published, West Yorkshire Police categorize each game, leaving us virtually no say in terms of the amount of resources required to host the match safely.
“The level and type of disorder that we have witnessed over the last year is not Bradford City AFC or who we are.
“It’s becoming a major problem in the larger game and we need to take collective responsibility to put an end to it.”
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Source: www.yorkshirepost.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-07-19 15:14:36