Latest news with #SwindonTownFC
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Both sides investigated after 'disorders' which saw 'chair thrown at goalie'
Multiple police forces are now investigating an incident which broke out at the Swindon v Walsall football match at Bescot Stadium - and it's not just Swindon fans involved. Swindon Town FC has said it is "appalled" but the "unacceptable" way a minority of Swindon supporters acted when an incident broke out at the stadium on Saturday, August 2, causing play to be paused. The disorder allegedly saw a chair thrown at goalkeeper Myles Roberts, abuse directed at stewards, staff, players and match officials, and pyrotechnics used. However, West Midlands Police has now also involved the British Transport Police, as officers say the disorder continued at the train station after the game, and both sets of fans were involved. Swindon boss Ian Holloway has expressed his disgust (Image: Andy Crook) A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "We are investigating disorder during and after Walsall FC's home match against Swindon on Saturday. "Working alongside our partners British Transport Police (BTP) we are investigating disorder at the train station at Bescot after the game involving both sets of supporters. "We are also investigating two incidents during the game when a flare was thrown on the pitch and a seat was damaged then thrown at Walsall's goalkeeper. "Witnesses or people with any information should contact us by ringing 101 quoting log number 1114 of 2 August." Recommended reading: Former Swindon youngster makes move to rival after trial period 'Hopefully they will realise' - Swindon still looking to move players out First home derby with Reading in 23 years as Vertu Trophy dates set Swindon boss Ian Holloway has announced he is "absolutely disgusted" by the behaviour in the stadium, adding: "I want to fight for things, but you don't rip out a seat and throw it at someone." He has vowed to "hunt down" those responsible, as he says Swindon Town wants nothing to do with this behaviour. Despite it having been an away match, Wiltshire Police are also among those investigating. The incident caused play to be paused (Image: Swindon Town FC) Wiltshire Police Inspector Louis McCoy, from Force Operations, said: 'This behaviour is unacceptable, and we are doing everything we can to identify those responsible and hold them to account. 'We have spoken with Swindon Town FC, supporting their position that they don't want people who behave in this manner associated with their club. 'Football is a sport that should be enjoyed by all and not ruined by the mindless few who see it as an opportunity for crime and disorder.' All three policing forces, as well as both of the football clubs, are now working to identify the offenders involved, and have asked eyewitnesses to come forward. Anyone who attended the match and saw the incident happen, or who may be able to identify those involved should contact Wiltshire Police on 101 quoting reference 54250108578. Information can also be left to any of the police forces anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Swindon Town to make significant changes to toilets
Swindon Town Football Club has installed five stoma-friendly toilets at the County Ground. This initiative is a step towards making football more accessible for fans with medical needs. The facilities aim to support the 200,000 people in the UK living with a stoma, including 750 in Swindon and 1,500 across Wiltshire. A stoma is a surgically created opening on the abdomen that diverts the flow of faeces or urine, often necessary due to conditions like bowel cancer or Crohn's disease. Colostomy UK's research highlights the importance of suitable toilet facilities for people with a stoma. More than 60 percent of those surveyed by the charity said a lack of appropriate toilets limits their ability to enjoy activities like attending a football match. Read more: Race against time as club has days to fix safety issues before first home game Giovanni Cinque, marketing and campaigns manager at Colostomy UK, said: "It's great to hear that Swindon Town have joined our Stoma Friendly Toilets campaign. "A lack of suitable facilities can be a huge barrier to doing many of the things most of us take for granted, like attending a football match." The club hopes that the addition of these upgraded toilets will ensure that all fans, regardless of their medical needs, can confidently support their club from the stands.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
EFL clash could be postponed over safety fears as club ‘refuse to provide reassurances to fans'
SWINDON TOWN'S home season opener against Cambridge United on Saturday is in jeopardy after it was claimed that their County Ground home needs £250,000 worth of safety upgrades. Ian Holloway 's side have remained bullish throughout that their 15,728-capacity will ready for Saturday's match. 2 But Town fan group Spirit of 69 believe that significant work needs to be done following "neglect". A statement read: "After three years of total neglect and a recent lack of investment and upkeep, Swindon Borough Council's Event Safety Advisory Group have identified critical stadium safety upgrades that will cost £250,000 to remedy, including emergency vehicle access." Local council leader Jim Robbins said: "We want the match on Saturday to go ahead, and for the fans to be able to enjoy the first home game of the season against Cambridge United. "A multi-agency safety advisory group provides independent advice and sports grounds safety certificates, so events can take place safely in line with legal requirements. "Swindon Town Football Club are currently implementing the recommendations provided by the Advisory Group after a full audit of the ground and its safety arrangements was carried out in June by the Council and the club are in regular contact with our team. "There will be a further meeting ahead of the game this weekend to ensure all of the compliance work has been fully completed." Swindon claimed in a statement given to the BBC: "All required work is either completed or on course to be finalised." The County Ground did not host a single pre-season friendly. The last match to take place there was a 0-0 draw with MK Dons on May 3. Swindon began their League Two campaign by losing 2-1 at Walsall last Saturday. 'Who the hell do you think you are- - Ex-Premier League boss fumes at his own fans who threw CHAIR at opposition player Holloway's men fell to a 91st minute winner, despite their opponents having been down to 10 men for most of the contest. After the match, the Swindon boss blasted a Town fan who allegedly threw a chair towards Walsall goalkeeper Myles Roberts. Holloway, 62, fumed: "Whoever you are, you should be ashamed of yourself. I am going to hunt you down and find you." Following Saturday's scheduled home opener, Swindon will travel to Cardiff City for a League Cup first round clash. 2
BBC News
04-08-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Headlines: 'Object thrown at goalkeeper' and 'church break-in'
Here's our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media. Our pick of local website stories Swindon Town FC manager Ian Holloway said he was "disgusted" with a club fan after an object was thrown from the crowd towards Walsall's goalkeeper during the opening game of the new season on Saturday, the Swindon Advertiser has reported that parking charges are set to go up in a Somerset town at the end of the a bid for a canalside solar farm near the M5 has sparked large public outcry because of fears of flooding, reports Gloucestershire Live. Our top three from yesterday What to watch on social media A church in Uphill, near Weston-super-Mare, said on social media that it had been broken-into over the is the first day of a road closure in Langport which has a huge diversion in Swindon, the first outdoor wedding ceremony in the newly updated Courtyard Garden was held for childhood sweethearts who have been together for 35 years.
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hundreds of people come together for fantastic celebration of football
The Swindon Bengal Festival was held at Foundation Park, bringing together over 17 teams in a day filled with football and camaraderie. The event was hosted by Swindon Town FC Community Foundation and was praised as a "fantastic celebration of community, culture, and connection." The Premier League Fans Fund supported the festival, helping to provide more opportunities for community engagement. The Swindon Town FC Community Foundation expressed gratitude to the fund for its support. The festival not only brought together football teams but also united the community, demonstrating the power of sport to connect and inspire people. The event was marked with a shared spirit and friendship among the participants, who came together to celebrate the occasion. Read more: Holloway discusses the potential need for Town to make sales The Swindon Town FC Community Foundation took to social media to share the success of the event, posting a message of thanks to all those who participated and contributed to the festival. The post read: "We were proud to host the Swindon Bengal Festival at Foundation Park – a fantastic celebration of community, culture, and connection! "With over 17 teams coming together for a day full of football, friendship, and shared spirit, the event truly showcased the power of football to unite and inspire."
