SToK Cae Ras has has quickly become a fortress for Wrexham but the club have warned fans their behaviour at the stadium could result in consequences.
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Wrexham issue statement to fansWarned about 'persistent standing'Could face further action from authoritiesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Wrexham have advanced to League One over the past two seasons, gaining back-to-back promotions, and as such, attendance at the STok Cae Ras is at an all-time high. The Red Dragons are having a terrific time on the field but the team have expressed some concern in a statement released on Thursday. The Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds-owned club have warned fans that if 'persistent standing' continues at its home ground, the side may have to contend with reduced capacity.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The Sports Ground Safety Authority is in charge of overseeing Wrexham AFC, who have been given a safety certificate by Wrexham County Borough Council (SGSA). They need this certificate in order to be able to host matches at the SToK Cae Ras to full capacity. The Red Dragons have claimed that they have been contacted regarding standing during games, and released a blunt statement to fans.
WHAT WREXHAM'S STATEMENT SAID
Wrexham published a statement on Thursday that read: "If persistent standing is not stopped, we could face further action – including reduced capacity.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the STōK Cae Ras is a fully-seated stadium. There are no safe standing areas currently in place.
"Persistent standing inside the ground is not permitted anywhere in the stadium – this includes stairwells, exits, gangways and in the seating areas.
"The club faces further punishments if persistent standing continues, including the closure of blocks of seats or even entire stands.
"Persistent standing refers to where individuals stand in seated areas for prolonged periods of time, other than for short durations in play where it could be deemed unnatural to remain seated.
"As a football club, we must do all we can avoid the repercussions and wider impact persistent standing could have at the STōK Cae Ras and we know no supporters want to risk these enforcements.
"We ask all supporters to help us to ensure persistent standing does not continue, and as a Club we will act as necessary where supporters are continuing to stand persistently through the match.
"All at Wrexham AFC is grateful for the loyal, proud and noisy support you provide to us at the STōK Cae Ras and do not wish for anybody to miss out on following this incredible journey we are on.
"We are dedicated to ensuring the STōK Cae Ras is a safe and enjoyable environment for all supporters, and we thank you for your understanding and support on this matter."
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?
After Phil Parkinson's men suffered their first League One defeat of the season against Birmingham City, they will now be looking to bounce back to winning ways, to try and keep their first place in the league's standing. They take on Crawley Town on Saturday, September 21 at SToK Cae Ras and they will be hopeful of seeing their directions followed by fans.
