Chester FC fined £5,000 following play off semi-final match crowd trouble

Chester Football Club has been found guilty of misconduct and fined £5,000 by an Independent Regulatory Commission.

The sanctions were imposed after the club’s admission of failure to control spectators and supporters during their Play-Off Semi-Final match against Brackley Town on May 7, 2023.

Nearly 4,500 fans attended the game, with 240 having travelled from Brackley.

Trouble started shortly after the final whistle when a large number of Chester fans entered the pitch and attempted to access the away stand.

During the incident, several smoke bombs and other items were thrown towards the Brackley Town fans.

After exiting the stadium, some Chester fans also damaged coaches parked outside.

The commission charged Chester FC with breaching FA rules, as fans behaved in a manner deemed improper, offensive, violent, abusive, insulting, or provocative.

The club has been warned about future conduct and is ordered to comply with a specific action plan.

The incident at the match has led to criminal offences, and Chester Football Club continues to work closely with Cheshire Police to identify those responsible, with intentions to ban and possibly prosecute the offenders.

In a statement from the Board of City Fans United, the club condemned the behaviour leading to the charge, labelling it a “damaging incident” and a “watershed moment.”

They emphasised that antisocial or disorderly behaviour would not be tolerated at the Deva Stadium.

Beyond the fine, the club will face significant expenses related to the incident.

The combined costs of damage repairs, increased stewarding, policing, and compliance with the action plan total more than £30,000.

The club’s leadership has expressed frustration and disappointment at the actions of a minority but is resolute in its determination to ensure progress as a community football club.