Ensuring that all members of our community feel safe and welcome at the club is of paramount importance, particularly as we look to expand our fanbase when we move back to Plough Lane.
In recent weeks, some fans have reported isolated incidents of abuse. The boards of AFC Wimbledon and the Dons Trust share these supporters’ extreme disappointment. Whilst these incidents are not representative of the majority of our fans, this behaviour is condemned and is not welcome at our club. We are a community club, and all members of our community should be able to watch our matches without fear of hearing abuse.
At the end of last year, the existing statement relating to inclusive behaviour that forms part of the AFC Wimbledon Ground Regulations was expanded. See our designated page on the official website for more information about the Ground Regulations. Previously it covered racism and homophobia specifically, but it now includes any form of abuse indirectly or directly targeted at any member of our footballing community.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind fans to familiarise themselves with the Ground Regulations. If on a match day anyone has any concerns over a matter of safety, or hears any racist or homophobic language or obscene chanting, or discriminatory or abusive language targeting specific members of the community, they should notify a steward immediately, or text or call the matchday control room on 07704 649119. By reporting an incident immediately, it can be dealt with straight away.
Please look out for a social media campaign that will be launched shortly, along with posters at the ground and an article on the Dons Trust page in the Peterborough matchday programme, which explains in more detail what happens when incidents are reported.
Together, we can help make sure that our matches are a welcoming environment for everyone.