Club bar shut after reports fans were 'abusive' to staff

The bar at a Surrey football club was shut for the side's home game on Saturday after reports that some fans were "intimidating and abusive" towards staff, said the local authority.

Walton & Hersham FC supporters have being staging matchday boycotts of the bar at Xcel Sports Hub in Walton-on-Thames, claiming the club does not get a penny from its takings.

Elmbridge Borough Council, which owns the venue, said the current deal covers the team's staffing, maintenance and cleaning costs and allows them to hire the pitch at a reduced rate.

Mick Moriarty, chair of the supporters' club, refuted any allegations of bad behaviour, saying they were without "substance".

Places Leisure, the operator of Xcel Sports Hub, called any such conduct "completely unacceptable" and said it would "continue to monitor the situation closely".

"The safety and wellbeing of staff must always come first," said the council of the decision to close the bar for Walton & Hersham's clash against Dorking Wanderers.

"Everyone using council facilities should be treated with respect," it added, saying "a small number of supporters" were to blame.

"We recognise that the vast majority of fans attend matches responsibly and contribute positively to the matchday atmosphere.

It said the club was "an important part of our local community", which it has "consistently supported, both financially and operationally."

"We remain committed to supporting its future success, but that must be built on respectful, constructive relationships and a safe environment for staff, customers and all facility users," it said.

Moriarty said: "We've looked into what the council are saying and can't find any substance to it.

"I just think it's a load of smoke and mirrors because our boycotts have been working and the bar's been losing revenue."

Walton & Hersham FC made headlines in 2019 when a group of young fans took ownership of the club, which was about to be relegated to the 10th tier in English football.

The club has since enjoyed a series of promotions and massive exposure on social media, and will play in the sixth tier this season.

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