Bury Times: Bury FC condemns 'acts of discrimination'

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Bury FC has spoken out regarding “isolated incidents” at the football club's home, including smoke bombs being thrown onto the pitch and underage drinking.

They thanked the “overwhelming majority” of their fan base for helping to make Gigg Lane a “welcoming, family-friendly club”.

Despite improvements made by the club to improve its fan behaviour following a turbulent few years, there have been recent "isolated incidents" that have been deemed “entirely unacceptable”, including acts of discrimination.

 

There was also a smoke bomb thrown onto the new state-of-the-art 3G pitch over Christmas and the club has identified that underage drinking is “an issue” at Gigg Lane.  

In a statement, Bury FC said: “Regardless of gender, race, age, or sexuality, everyone is welcome at our club.

“Just look around the stands, and you will see the diversity that makes our club special. We urge all fans to continue making Gigg Lane inclusive.

“If you witness any anti-discriminatory behaviour, we ask you to call it out by reporting it immediately.

“By reporting to a member of our security team or volunteer base immediately will help us stamp out these issues straight away.

“Please do not take matters into your own hands – let us handle it appropriately.”

Bury has been marred with a number of fan-related problems in the last 15 months.

The Shakers were ordered to play two home games behind closed doors in response to allegations that fans used "discriminatory language" at Gigg Lane in a game against West Didsbury and Chorlton FC in September 2023.

The club had a charge against it dropped after three fans tried to get onto the Gigg Lane pitch in January last year during Bury FC’s 10-1 win over Skelmersdale United.

The club was also charged for "failing to control" its fans after a number of incidents reported at the club's play-off defeat away at Wythenshawe Town's Ericstan Park Stadium in May.

The charge reportedly centred around fans throwing beer on officials, using pyrotechnics which are banned, fighting and encroaching the pitch.

And violence broke in Bury's first match of the season away at Squires Gate FC's ground in Blackpool in July.

The statement added: “Thank you for your continued support in making Gigg Lane a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for all.

“Together, we can maintain and build upon our strong attendance numbers and vibrant fan base.”