Darlo...put to rest

Just read this statement from the General Manager of Darlo

"Darlington FC Statement
Darlington managing director Graham Fordy has issued an official statement regarding the club's friendly match against Newcastle United.

The Northern Echo Arena played host to Alan Pardew's side on Friday night and the game was disrupted after Sammy Ameobi's 55th-minute goal.

A number of supporters stormed onto the pitch, causing a delay which lasted for around 10 minutes.

A statement from Fordy on the Blue Square Bet Premier club's official website read: "Friday night's pre-season friendly against Newcastle was a huge success as far as we're concerned.

"Newcastle fans came in their numbers to support their team, and there was a good number of our own supporters, so we're grateful for everyone's support and we again thank Newcastle for coming to the Arena.

"What happened disrupted the game for a few minutes, and Newcastle have already said they intend to deal with the culprits at their end.

"Likewise, we intend to deal with those guilty at our end by going through the CCTV footage and identifying individuals.

"But on the whole it was a great night for the club. It was the biggest attendance at the Arena for a number of years and, from a footballing point of view, it was an excellent work-out for our players, who coped very well against their Premier League opponents."
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Nice to see the events of the night put into perspective , instead of the "woe is me, we must be the worst fans ever" crap I've been reading.

 

Best thing that's been heard about the game so far. Well said Graham Fordy.

 

I think he may have just been told the gate receipts from Friday! To be honest its a bit irresponsible of him for me. Obviously they want more friendlies like that, 10,000 through the gate for them at any time is a massive boost. These clubs struggle through every season. But he must remember respect and safety come above money.

Supporters should never go on the pitch unless its extreme circumstances (fire in stand at Bradford or such like). Those that did are numpties and brought shame on the club by doing so. Hopefully we won't see a repeat. Those that went on the pitch should just be warned as to their future conduct, those that begun fighting, banned for life.