Watford police are urging fans to enjoy the beautiful game responsibly after the Hornets’ 4-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
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Officers work closely with the team at Vicarage Road to ensure the safety and security of both home and away fans. They also responding promptly to any incidents that arise.
Former Watford Chief Inspector Ian Grout now works in the Constabulary’s Operations team, and his current role involves planning and delivering policing resources for large-scale events.
He said: “Unfortunately, eight people ended up with criminal records for their conduct last season. We have a zero-tolerance approach to aggressive behaviour and will do all we can to pursue those who behave in an unacceptable manner on match days.
“We know most fans simply want to cheer on their team and soak up the atmosphere. They often bring their children too and it can be frightening for younger fans when they witness others drinking heavily and getting involved in physical altercations.”
Chief Inspector Grout added: “Sadly there are a minority who take pleasure in causing disorder and disruption, and that intention is not a good mixture with alcohol.
“In one incident in November last year, a 10 year old boy was leaving Vicarage Road when he, his older brother and their dad were spat at. His 18 year old brother was then kicked and punched, leaving him with broken teeth and an eye injury. This was hugely distressing for the younger child to witness.
“Officers promptly arrested a man who was subsequently charged. He has admitted the offences and is due to be sentenced later this month.
“Interestingly, the majority of those we dealt with for match day offences last season had no prior convictions. And now, they will have to declare their criminal record if they have a job interview, enrol at university, buy an insurance policy, or apply for social housing. They have potentially closed doors on their future, and it’s just not worth it.”
Ian Pope, Head of Operations at WFC, said: “Alongside the club’s own ‘We’ campaign striving to make football at Vicarage Road as welcoming as possible, we are completely unfazed in supporting the publication of individual incidents by Hertfordshire Constabulary.
The police’s message comes as the new season gets underway. With the excitement of the Premier League campaign now in full swing, it is important that fans remember to behave responsibly and enjoy the game in the right spirit.
Watford FC v Birmingham City FC – Vicarage Road – 14/03/23
Watford FC v Coventry City – Vicarage Road – 5/11/2022
Watford FC v Luton Town FC – Vicarage Road – 23/10/2022
Watford FC v Cardiff City – Vicarage Road – 19/04/22
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