Club introduces new measures after supporters hit while leaving ground
Gloucester City AFC has tightened entry rules for young supporters after a string of incidents culminated in fans being struck by stones following an away match at Redditch United.
The club said it was concerned for the safety of its supporters after the disturbance on Saturday, when Redditch United chairman David Faulkner told reporters that more than 50 youths who had been turned away from the stadium waited outside and threw rocks at Gloucester fans as they were leaving.
Gloucester City added that the safety and well‑being of our supporters is paramount and that incidents of this nature would be taken extremely seriously. West Mercia Police said they were reviewing CCTV to establish precisely what had happened. No serious injuries were reported and the force said it would determine whether any offences had been committed and identify those involved.
- Immediate change: Anyone under 18 must now be accompanied by an adult.
- Youth season tickets: The club asked that these holders provide photo ID and next of kin information.
- Police action: CCTV is being examined and appropriate action will be taken if criminality is identified.
The chairman at Redditch suggested the behaviour was not isolated. He told journalists that a similar incident had occurred in August and said he believed the episodes were being encouraged by social media platforms. "Groups of lads are using TikTok and Snapchat to sort of spread a thing," he said, explaining that clips are often recorded inside grounds and then shared for views.
"If you go onto TikTok now, you're going to find video after video. You've got about 10 lads [inside the stadium] and they're just on their phone, they're just recording it. It makes good views on TikTok."
Local non‑league clubs beyond Redditch and Gloucester have also voiced concerns. Leamington Spa FC and Stratford Town FC issued statements after incidents at their matches, reflecting a wider unease across the National League System about spectator behaviour and the challenges of policing it.
For many regulars at Gloucester City, matchday is a social occasion enjoyed by families, older supporters and youngsters who follow the team through the local leagues. The club’s new rule — that under‑18s must be accompanied — is designed to protect that atmosphere and reduce the risk of harm when supporters are departing stadiums, often along public routes where policing and stewarding can be more difficult.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incident location | Redditch United away ground |
| Number of youths reported | More than 50 (reported by Redditch chairman) |
| Injuries | No serious injuries reported |
| Club action | Under‑18s must be accompanied; photo ID and next of kin requested for youth season tickets |
| Police | West Mercia reviewing CCTV; will identify and take appropriate action if offences found |
Supporters and local residents will be watching closely to see how the club and police respond in the coming days. For parents of young fans, the rule change alters how children access matches — youth season ticket holders who previously entered independently are now required to carry photo ID and next of kin details, and must be accompanied by an adult.
Club and police statements stopped short of naming individuals or spelling out specific charges, but the swift policy change underlines the seriousness with which Gloucester City views the safety of its travelling supporters. The Football Association said it was working with stakeholders across the National League System to help develop policies to keep people safe.
In towns and city suburbs where non‑league football forms part of the fabric of community life, the prospect of matchday violence troubles volunteers, stewards and small businesses that rely on regular crowds. Any sustained campaign of intimidation or copycat behaviour, fuelled by social media, risks changing who feels able to attend and enjoy live matches.
For now, supporters are being asked to co‑operate with the club’s new measures and to report any concerns to matchday stewards or the police. West Mercia’s review of footage will determine what further steps are taken, and whether any prosecutions may follow.
