Accrington chairman Andy Holt is one of the few chairmen who positively engage with supporters of all clubs through his Twitter account, and he was not slow to post his displeasure at a section of the Blackpool support which caused problems during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at the Crown Ground.
The match was held up in the second half while a flare thrown from the away end was cleared from the pitch and according to the Blackpool Gazette, bottles were also repeatedly thrown during the League One encounter.
It is the second time the fixture has attracted trouble after Accrington goalkeeper Dimitar Evtimov was sent off for throwing a bottle back into the crowd last season.
Holt was unhappy at the high cost of policing the game and argued it was becoming not feasible economically for Stanley to give the Seasiders a significant away ticket allocation because of the action of a ‘few idiots.’
https://twitter.com/AndyhHolt/status/1175723088136286208?s=20
2031 Blackpool supporters packed the away terrace in what Holt described as an otherwise ‘great day’ but suggested that in future the Seasiders allocation might be cut to save on policing costs.
It was a frustrating day all round for Stanley who were on the verge on winning only their second league game of the season thanks to a Curtis Tilt own goal until Matty Virtue popped with a ninety-second-minute equaliser.
Our View
Everyone loves a great away day and while despite recent improvements, the Crown Ground might still lack the facilities of more modern stadiums it provides away supporters with what could be termed a ‘blast from the past’ in terms of the what is now called the ‘fan experience.’
But this doesn’t extend to carrying-on like fans used to behave in the not too distant past, and it appears once again a few are spoiling it for the many.
To be fair to Blackpool fans, many have gone on social media to back Holt and apologise for what happened which is commendable.
Blackpool is a great and well-supported club back on the up after several years under terrible ownership, but like all clubs, it still has an element of support that acts like we are stuck in 1985 which is a terrible shame.
Holt should once again be applauded for making public the issues affecting his club in an honest and forthright way.
Attending away games is not a right, and Holt offers food for thought on the issue.
It would be a real shame if his view catches on and spoils the atmosphere big away followings brings to lower league grounds.
So we would ask all travelling fans of any club, by all means, have a great time but please do not cross the line between exuberance and trouble.
The consequences could be dire.
