First, the good news on tickets. With 90 applications for tickets made, we obtained about half that in tickets, thereby enabling many members to attend the Newcastle Away match for the first time this season.
The Bad news is that an ASSC member having one of those tickets was refused entry to the stadium. Following detection from a police dog this member was searched and was in possession of a banned substance.
The Ugly is that this reflects very badly on Arsenal Scotland Supporters Club and puts us all at risk for future tickets from Arsenal FC.
As you will know, Arsenal Scotland Supporters Club has a Zero Tolerance Policy towards any member using match tickets behaving in a way that is likely to damage the great reputation of either Arsenal Football Club or Arsenal Scotland Supporters Club.
Investigation into the specifics of the incident at Newcastle last Saturday are now complete. The sanction imposed by the club are a lifetime ban from ASSC. This behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated within our supporters club. Arsenal have been made aware of this incident and the specifics surrounding it.
I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to all members to act responsibly, not only for your own behaviour but also please look out for the welfare and behaviour of fellow members who hold a ticket issued via Arsenal Scotland.
Chris Alexander
Chair, Arsenal Scotland Supporters Club
NB: ASSC Rules include a Code of Conduct which states that unacceptable behaviour includes, but is not limited to,
- Ejection from an any Arsenal match.
- Being refused admission to any Arsenal match.
- Being arrested at an Arsenal match.
- Being drunk and or disorderly while attending an Arsenal match.
- Being under the influence of banned substances (drugs) while attending an Arsenal match.
- Using excessive, offensive and directly aggressive language while attending an Arsenal match.