Hereford game abandoned/Crowd trouble over 100 involved

Trouble again Hereford kicking off.

Didcot v Hereford game abandoned due to pitch invasion
Video
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-ox ... e-39172475


Didcot v Hereford game abandoned due to pitch invasion

Sunday 5th March 2017

Didcot's manager called it a "very bizarre day".


Two men were arrested after a violent pitch invasion caused a football match to be abandoned.

About 100 people were involved in the incident towards the end of Didcot Town's Southern Football League game against Hereford FC.

Didcot said it was "very disappointed", while Hereford - leading 2-1 at the time of the abandonment - said it was "deeply concerned".

BBC commentator Bill Rennells said "fists were flying everywhere".

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: "A 19-year-old man from Hereford was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence, and a 19-year-old man from Hereford was arrested on suspicion of common assault."

Both men have been bailed until April.


About 100 people were involved in the invasion

About 800 people attended Saturday's match, with the majority supporting the visiting Hereford team.

Didcot manager Andy Ballard called it a "very bizarre day".

He added: "I do have to commend the referee, he made a fantastic decision to call the game off.

"He couldn't guarantee the safety of the players, the supporters and everybody in the ground, so he made a very tough call, but I think it's the right one."

Hereford FC were formed in 2015 after former Football League club Hereford United were wound up in London's Royal Court of Justice the previous year.

They are the best supported team in the Southern League, with an average home attendance this season in excess of 2,700.

'Investigation'

In a statement, the club said: "It goes without saying that Hereford FC does not condone unlawful behaviour of any sort and club officials will be working very closely with the local police, Didcot Town, the stewards who were in attendance, the FA and the Southern League to establish the relevant facts, secure all available evidence and conduct a thorough investigation."

Mr Rennells, a journalist since the age of 14, said: "It's something I've never ever seen before in my 71-year career. There were people being held back, and some people trying to stop it."

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Problem is you have a club far to big for the league they are in

Problem is you have a club far to big for the league they are in

And that justifies a pitch invasion ?

Used to love the trips to Hereford over the years. There have been so many incidents at Edgar Street over the years eg: Walls collapsing, fights, Friday sent off, seats thrown, roof walker, etc

No of course not ,but they should not have been allowed in that league in the first place,

No of course not ,but they should not have been allowed in that league in the first place,

What league should they have been in? As far as aware there is set criteria where liquidated clubs restart from Must asume they are in correct one! maybe fault lies with police and clubs not liasing about size of away fans?

No of course not ,but they should not have been allowed in that league in the first place,

What league should they have been in? As far as aware there is set criteria where liquidated clubs restart from Must asume they are in correct one! maybe fault lies with police and clubs not liasing about size of away fans?

Allan, I think you are dealing with one of those characters that can't see the wood for the trees here!

Like others, I always enjoyed a trip to Edgar Street and still smile with the memories whenever I drive past the place, but Hereford are where they are for a multitude of reasons and for someone to say "they should not have been allowed in that League in the first place" is to misunderstand their actual position as it stands, i.e. not in a good place!

Others (Newport County, Wrexham and Shrewsbury are all good examples of teams that were once decent. All have been in the 2nd Division (now Championship) of the Football League and all have fallen somewhat sort of what is required in 'modern' football

Sad but nonetheless true!

No of course not ,but they should not have been allowed in that league in the first place,

What league should they have been in? As far as aware there is set criteria where liquidated clubs restart from Must asume they are in correct one! maybe fault lies with police and clubs not liasing about size of away fans?

Allan, I think you are dealing with one of those characters that can't see the wood for the trees here!

Like others, I always enjoyed a trip to Edgar Street and still smile with the memories whenever I drive past the place, but Hereford are where they are for a multitude of reasons and for someone to say "they should not have been allowed in that League in the first place" is to misunderstand their actual position as it stands, i.e. not in a good place!

Others (Newport County, Wrexham and Shrewsbury are all good examples of teams that were once decent. All have been in the 2nd Division (now Championship) of the Football League and all have fallen somewhat sort of what is required in 'modern' football

Sad but nonetheless true!

Sven take look at bottom of national league? Was 3 X league clubs there last week! It appears the devide between semi professional and professional teams is not there anymore.

No of course not ,but they should not have been allowed in that league in the first place,

What league should they have been in? As far as aware there is set criteria where liquidated clubs restart from Must asume they are in correct one! maybe fault lies with police and clubs not liasing about size of away fans?

Allan, I think you are dealing with one of those characters that can't see the wood for the trees here!

Like others, I always enjoyed a trip to Edgar Street and still smile with the memories whenever I drive past the place, but Hereford are where they are for a multitude of reasons and for someone to say "they should not have been allowed in that League in the first place" is to misunderstand their actual position as it stands, i.e. not in a good place!

Others (Newport County, Wrexham and Shrewsbury are all good examples of teams that were once decent. All have been in the 2nd Division (now Championship) of the Football League and all have fallen somewhat sort of what is required in 'modern' football

Sad but nonetheless true!

Sven take look at bottom of national league? Was 3 X league clubs there last week! It appears the devide between semi professional and professional teams is not there anymore.

You're right!

No of course not ,but they should not have been allowed in that league in the first place,

What league should they have been in? As far as aware there is set criteria where liquidated clubs restart from Must asume they are in correct one! maybe fault lies with police and clubs not liasing about size of away fans?

Yes of course Didcot and the police are to blame they should have had some idea on the travelling support from other games Hereford have played this season after all they have probably taken bigger away numbers than the City this season but to get a crowd of 800 when Didcot average home attendance is 134 is unusual but nevertheless no excuse.

No of course not ,but they should not have been allowed in that league in the first place,

What league should they have been in? As far as aware there is set criteria where liquidated clubs restart from Must asume they are in correct one! maybe fault lies with police and clubs not liasing about size of away fans?

Yes of course Didcot and the police are to blame they should have had some idea on the travelling support from other games Hereford have played this season after all they have probably taken bigger away numbers than the City this season but to get a crowd of 800 when Didcot average home attendance is 134 is unusual but nevertheless no excuse.

apparently Hereford away support as been big at most games! If measures are in place throughout football leagues regarding away support no reason why it shouldn't be in herefords league, or don't the police forces talk to each other? It's obvious Didcot not prepared for large following.

And that's my point,they are playing teams that are not set up for that sort of away following,in two seasons time if Merthyr stay in the Premier league southern they will meet Hereford but at least there can be some segregation at Penydarren park,but there will still be problems at other grounds at that level ,and when you think that the best supported team in the prem only averages just over 600 you can see how big Hereford are at this level averaging 2700 per home game in a league two divisions lower,it's one thing for the football authorities to punish Hereford but they don't half create problems for the teams in the same league as them.So as l,said they should never have been placed in such a low point in the pyramid as one day they will almost certainly return to the football league or if not to the Conference but that is an impossible target for the teams they will play in the next few seasons and l include Merthyr in that.hope I've cleared away some of the wood for you

And that's my point,they are playing teams that are not set up for that sort of away following,in two seasons time if Merthyr stay in the Premier league southern they will meet Hereford but at least there can be some segregation at Penydarren park,but there will still be problems at other grounds at that level ,and when you think that the best supported team in the prem only averages just over 600 you can see how big Hereford are at this level averaging 2700 per home game in a league two divisions lower,it's one thing for the football authorities to punish Hereford but they don't half create problems for the teams in the same league as them.So as l,said they should never have been placed in such a low point in the pyramid as one day they will almost certainly return to the football league or if not to the Conference but that is an impossible target for the teams they will play in the next few seasons and l include Merthyr in that.hope I've cleared away some of the wood for you

Well said mate,talking sense

And that's my point,they are playing teams that are not set up for that sort of away following,in two seasons time if Merthyr stay in the Premier league southern they will meet Hereford but at least there can be some segregation at Penydarren park,but there will still be problems at other grounds at that level ,and when you think that the best supported team in the prem only averages just over 600 you can see how big Hereford are at this level averaging 2700 per home game in a league two divisions lower,it's one thing for the football authorities to punish Hereford but they don't half create problems for the teams in the same league as them.So as l,said they should never have been placed in such a low point in the pyramid as one day they will almost certainly return to the football league or if not to the Conference but that is an impossible target for the teams they will play in the next few seasons and l include Merthyr in that.hope I've cleared away some of the wood for you

So what you are saying is forget the rules and put a team where they are more suitable in relation to their support?

I don't believe there are any hard or fast rules in these cases,l would like to know myself to be honest,but my question is who decided that the Midland league ,the ninth tier in the league pyramid system was punishment enough what criteria was used,when a club who were averaging 2,000 crowds were going up against teams averaging crowds of between 20 and 50 why not make them play in the local Hereford and district playing park football.

I don't believe there are any hard or fast rules in these cases,l would like to know myself to be honest,but my question is who decided that the Midland league ,the ninth tier in the league pyramid system was punishment enough what criteria was used,when a club who were averaging 2,000 crowds were going up against teams averaging crowds of between 20 and 50 why not make them play in the local Hereford and district playing park football.

There is a comittee who decides such things, no idea how they came to what league they demote a club to but if Midlands is bottom tier that's your answer? But as I said in reality cannot have a club being favoured because it has big crowds .

And that's my point,they are playing teams that are not set up for that sort of away following,in two seasons time if Merthyr stay in the Premier league southern they will meet Hereford but at least there can be some segregation at Penydarren park,but there will still be problems at other grounds at that level ,and when you think that the best supported team in the prem only averages just over 600 you can see how big Hereford are at this level averaging 2700 per home game in a league two divisions lower,it's one thing for the football authorities to punish Hereford but they don't half create problems for the teams in the same league as them.So as l,said they should never have been placed in such a low point in the pyramid as one day they will almost certainly return to the football league or if not to the Conference but that is an impossible target for the teams they will play in the next few seasons and l include Merthyr in that.hope I've cleared away some of the wood for you

i think most people understood your point in the original post.its really very simple.

ive thought in the past when its been mentioned how impractical it would be for ourselves and Swansea to be in the LOW for similar reasons.

And that's my point,they are playing teams that are not set up for that sort of away following,in two seasons time if Merthyr stay in the Premier league southern they will meet Hereford but at least there can be some segregation at Penydarren park,but there will still be problems at other grounds at that level ,and when you think that the best supported team in the prem only averages just over 600 you can see how big Hereford are at this level averaging 2700 per home game in a league two divisions lower,it's one thing for the football authorities to punish Hereford but they don't half create problems for the teams in the same league as them.So as l,said they should never have been placed in such a low point in the pyramid as one day they will almost certainly return to the football league or if not to the Conference but that is an impossible target for the teams they will play in the next few seasons and l include Merthyr in that.hope I've cleared away some of the wood for you

i think most people understood your point in the original post.its really very simple.

ive thought in the past when its been mentioned how impractical it would be for ourselves and Swansea to be in the LOW for similar reasons.

So what happens for arguement sake if say sheff wed was to be relegated to national league? Would they stay up because clubs couldn't cater for large away crowds?? Basic point being size of club cannot dictate what league club play in !

And that's my point,they are playing teams that are not set up for that sort of away following,in two seasons time if Merthyr stay in the Premier league southern they will meet Hereford but at least there can be some segregation at Penydarren park,but there will still be problems at other grounds at that level ,and when you think that the best supported team in the prem only averages just over 600 you can see how big Hereford are at this level averaging 2700 per home game in a league two divisions lower,it's one thing for the football authorities to punish Hereford but they don't half create problems for the teams in the same league as them.So as l,said they should never have been placed in such a low point in the pyramid as one day they will almost certainly return to the football league or if not to the Conference but that is an impossible target for the teams they will play in the next few seasons and l include Merthyr in that.hope I've cleared away some of the wood for you

i think most people understood your point in the original post.its really very simple.

ive thought in the past when its been mentioned how impractical it would be for ourselves and Swansea to be in the LOW for similar reasons.

So what happens for arguement sake if say sheff wed was to be relegated to national league? Would they stay up because clubs couldn't cater for large away crowds?? Basic point being size of club cannot dictate what league club play in !

according to you there is a set criteria so they would be in the same division as Didcot and Hereford.???
but yes of course each should be looked at from all points.
is this really the lowest point Hereford could have been placed.? no it isnt. Herefordshire div 5 is. so somebody somewhere made a decision based on something that was other than start from scratch.

And that's my point,they are playing teams that are not set up for that sort of away following,in two seasons time if Merthyr stay in the Premier league southern they will meet Hereford but at least there can be some segregation at Penydarren park,but there will still be problems at other grounds at that level ,and when you think that the best supported team in the prem only averages just over 600 you can see how big Hereford are at this level averaging 2700 per home game in a league two divisions lower,it's one thing for the football authorities to punish Hereford but they don't half create problems for the teams in the same league as them.So as l,said they should never have been placed in such a low point in the pyramid as one day they will almost certainly return to the football league or if not to the Conference but that is an impossible target for the teams they will play in the next few seasons and l include Merthyr in that.hope I've cleared away some of the wood for you

i think most people understood your point in the original post.its really very simple.

ive thought in the past when its been mentioned how impractical it would be for ourselves and Swansea to be in the LOW for similar reasons.

So what happens for arguement sake if say sheff wed was to be relegated to national league? Would they stay up because clubs couldn't cater for large away crowds?? Basic point being size of club cannot dictate what league club play in !

according to you there is a set criteria so they would be in the same division as Didcot and Hereford.???
but yes of course each should be looked at from all points.
is this really the lowest point Hereford could have been placed.? no it isnt. Herefordshire div 5 is. so somebody somewhere made a decision based on something that was other than start from scratch.

Did say was a committee who decided also! But getting back to my last point,the argument is said Hereford shouldn't have been put in that particular league as to big? So if sheff wed got relegated to national league they wouldn't be relegated because club to big? There's me thinking relegation was open to all clubs !

And that's my point,they are playing teams that are not set up for that sort of away following,in two seasons time if Merthyr stay in the Premier league southern they will meet Hereford but at least there can be some segregation at Penydarren park,but there will still be problems at other grounds at that level ,and when you think that the best supported team in the prem only averages just over 600 you can see how big Hereford are at this level averaging 2700 per home game in a league two divisions lower,it's one thing for the football authorities to punish Hereford but they don't half create problems for the teams in the same league as them.So as l,said they should never have been placed in such a low point in the pyramid as one day they will almost certainly return to the football league or if not to the Conference but that is an impossible target for the teams they will play in the next few seasons and l include Merthyr in that.hope I've cleared away some of the wood for you

i think most people understood your point in the original post.its really very simple.

ive thought in the past when its been mentioned how impractical it would be for ourselves and Swansea to be in the LOW for similar reasons.

So what happens for arguement sake if say sheff wed was to be relegated to national league? Would they stay up because clubs couldn't cater for large away crowds?? Basic point being size of club cannot dictate what league club play in !

i know its Wales not England
but both Barry and Llanelli were originally told to play in their county leagues.
was over turned at the 11th hour on appeal. and therefore their starting point became Welsh league div 3.

And that's my point,they are playing teams that are not set up for that sort of away following,in two seasons time if Merthyr stay in the Premier league southern they will meet Hereford but at least there can be some segregation at Penydarren park,but there will still be problems at other grounds at that level ,and when you think that the best supported team in the prem only averages just over 600 you can see how big Hereford are at this level averaging 2700 per home game in a league two divisions lower,it's one thing for the football authorities to punish Hereford but they don't half create problems for the teams in the same league as them.So as l,said they should never have been placed in such a low point in the pyramid as one day they will almost certainly return to the football league or if not to the Conference but that is an impossible target for the teams they will play in the next few seasons and l include Merthyr in that.hope I've cleared away some of the wood for you

i think most people understood your point in the original post.its really very simple.

ive thought in the past when its been mentioned how impractical it would be for ourselves and Swansea to be in the LOW for similar reasons.

So what happens for arguement sake if say sheff wed was to be relegated to national league? Would they stay up because clubs couldn't cater for large away crowds?? Basic point being size of club cannot dictate what league club play in !

according to you there is a set criteria so they would be in the same division as Didcot and Hereford.???
but yes of course each should be looked at from all points.
is this really the lowest point Hereford could have been placed.? no it isnt. Herefordshire div 5 is. so somebody somewhere made a decision based on something that was other than start from scratch.

Did say was a committee who decided also! But getting back to my last point,the argument is said Hereford shouldn't have been put in that particular league as to big? So if sheff wed got relegated to national league they wouldn't be relegated because club to big? There's me thinking relegation was open to all clubs !

its NOT relegation though

And that's my point,they are playing teams that are not set up for that sort of away following,in two seasons time if Merthyr stay in the Premier league southern they will meet Hereford but at least there can be some segregation at Penydarren park,but there will still be problems at other grounds at that level ,and when you think that the best supported team in the prem only averages just over 600 you can see how big Hereford are at this level averaging 2700 per home game in a league two divisions lower,it's one thing for the football authorities to punish Hereford but they don't half create problems for the teams in the same league as them.So as l,said they should never have been placed in such a low point in the pyramid as one day they will almost certainly return to the football league or if not to the Conference but that is an impossible target for the teams they will play in the next few seasons and l include Merthyr in that.hope I've cleared away some of the wood for you

i think most people understood your point in the original post.its really very simple.

ive thought in the past when its been mentioned how impractical it would be for ourselves and Swansea to be in the LOW for similar reasons.

So what happens for arguement sake if say sheff wed was to be relegated to national league? Would they stay up because clubs couldn't cater for large away crowds?? Basic point being size of club cannot dictate what league club play in !

according to you there is a set criteria so they would be in the same division as Didcot and Hereford.???
but yes of course each should be looked at from all points.
is this really the lowest point Hereford could have been placed.? no it isnt. Herefordshire div 5 is. so somebody somewhere made a decision based on something that was other than start from scratch.

Did say was a committee who decided also! But getting back to my last point,the argument is said Hereford shouldn't have been put in that particular league as to big? So if sheff wed got relegated to national league they wouldn't be relegated because club to big? There's me thinking relegation was open to all clubs !

its NOT relegation though

I know it's not but principle is same you cannot prevent a club being in any league because it's to big wether it's by relegation or demotion? For whatever reason the league decided the Midlands league was where Hereford were to be placed! Other teams in similar situation were demoted into various leagues I'm sure size didn't dictate which one though.

If clubs like Didcot can't cope with 800 fans there then maybe they should make the games all ticket of about 400.

If clubs like Didcot can't cope with 800 fans there then maybe they should make the games all ticket of about 400.

I'm sure they have no problem coping with 800 fans if they behave themselves,but what do you do with a guy who not finding anyone to fight with decides to head but the Didcot goalkeeper

And that's my point,they are playing teams that are not set up for that sort of away following,in two seasons time if Merthyr stay in the Premier league southern they will meet Hereford but at least there can be some segregation at Penydarren park,but there will still be problems at other grounds at that level ,and when you think that the best supported team in the prem only averages just over 600 you can see how big Hereford are at this level averaging 2700 per home game in a league two divisions lower,it's one thing for the football authorities to punish Hereford but they don't half create problems for the teams in the same league as them.So as l,said they should never have been placed in such a low point in the pyramid as one day they will almost certainly return to the football league or if not to the Conference but that is an impossible target for the teams they will play in the next few seasons and l include Merthyr in that.hope I've cleared away some of the wood for you

i think most people understood your point in the original post.its really very simple.

ive thought in the past when its been mentioned how impractical it would be for ourselves and Swansea to be in the LOW for similar reasons.

So what happens for arguement sake if say sheff wed was to be relegated to national league? Would they stay up because clubs couldn't cater for large away crowds?? Basic point being size of club cannot dictate what league club play in !

according to you there is a set criteria so they would be in the same division as Didcot and Hereford.???
but yes of course each should be looked at from all points.
is this really the lowest point Hereford could have been placed.? no it isnt. Herefordshire div 5 is. so somebody somewhere made a decision based on something that was other than start from scratch.

Did say was a committee who decided also! But getting back to my last point,the argument is said Hereford shouldn't have been put in that particular league as to big? So if sheff wed got relegated to national league they wouldn't be relegated because club to big? There's me thinking relegation was open to all clubs !

its NOT relegation though

I know it's not but principle is same you cannot prevent a club being in any league because it's to big wether it's by relegation or demotion? For whatever reason the league decided the Midlands league was where Hereford were to be placed! Other teams in similar situation were demoted into various leagues I'm sure size didn't dictate which one though

of course they arnt thats why local teams formed on the same days as Llanelli and Barry are in the welsh lge.