Brentford FC has announced a summary of the action it has taken so far this season against individuals who have breached ground regulations, committed football-related offences or damaged the reputation of the Club.
Sanctions
To date, the various incidents that have been reported concerning fans’ behaviour have resulted in two sanctions being issued to Brentford fans. Three incidents are still being investigated by the Club and two are under police investigation. The sanctions issued involved two fans signing an Acceptable Behaviour Contract which commits them to improving their behaviour at Brentford matches in the future.
By February last season, we had issued 28 sanctions. While this report comes slightly earlier in the season, we have seen a notable decline in bad behaviour at our home games. By the end of last season, 56 fan sanctions had been issued.
Ticketing issues
So far this season 102 Brentford members and one season ticket holder has had their respective memberships and season ticket revoked due to various ticketing offences including ticket touting. Last season, a total of 206 memberships or season tickets had been revoked.
The Club continue to take any incidences of individuals sitting in home sections openly supporting the opposition very seriously. We remind fans that home sections are reserved for Brentford fans and home tickets should not be passed to away fans.
‘Pleased to see fewer sanctions... but we ask fans to remain vigilant and report any incidents’
Jon Varney, chief executive said: “We are pleased to see fewer sanctions have been issued at this point of the season and encouraged by the improved behaviour seen at our home games overall this season. However, we continue to take incidents of anti-social behaviour seriously and encourage all fans to act respectfully towards our staff and fellow fans.
"Bad behaviour will not be tolerated and could result in ejection from the stadium with further action considered against those concerned.
“We will continue to take strong action against anyone who is responsible for any ticketing offences, whether that is ticket touting or passing tickets in home areas to away fans. Those involved risk losing their memberships and may be subject to criminal action.
“We also ask fans to remain vigilant and ensure they report any incidents they encounter or witness.”
How does the sanctions process work?
Brentford takes complaints seriously to ensure that everyone attending matches can have the best experience. Under Brentford’s sanctions process, individuals against whom serious complaints have been alleged are provided with a summary of the evidence against them and invited to respond. The Club then decides whether or not the individual has breached the relevant Premier League policies and protocols and/or other relevant Club regulations and policies.
If a sanction is imposed, it is then confirmed in writing. The individual being sanctioned has the right to appeal as set out in the Club’s Supporter Charter.
Abusive language will not be tolerated
While a low number of sanctions at this point of the season is encouraging, most of the reports received this season have been related to anti-social behaviour and abusive language. Football is for everyone, and Brentford is passionate and proud of its diverse fan base. Any discriminatory language or abuse, whether racist, homophobic, disablist or sexist will not be tolerated. Fans are reminded that racial and homophobic slurs in football chants are not acceptable.
Report issues immediately on matchday
If you see or hear anything of that nature, please don’t wait - report it immediately to your nearest steward or text BFC plus your message to 62277 so that we can take immediate, proportionate action during the game.