SpVgg Erkenschwick no longer wants to tolerate a group of problem fans and is taking a clear stance.

Promotion to the Oberliga Westfalen and a place in the final of the Westfalenpokal: SpVgg Erkenschwick has had a good few months.

However, a group of spectators who repeatedly attracted negative attention caused trouble. For example, during the riots after the cup final or during the guest game at Delbrücker SC. In addition, members of the group allegedly became violent towards a member of the club during the first Oberliga home game of the new season.

On Thursday, the club’s board issued a statement – and took a firm stand against the perpetrators of the aforementioned incidents. They are no longer welcome at the Spielvereinigung’s matches, it says. “We will issue house bans in the event of disregard. Banners and other fan paraphernalia of this group are also no longer tolerated.”

The problem fans appeared in the Erkenschwick environment during the course of last season. Dialogues between members and the club were unsuccessful. The fact that they will no longer be tolerated in future is apparently also the result of talks with the regulatory authorities, fans, the association and the Reporting Centre for Discrimination in Football in NRW.

As the club is responsible for its supporters in case of doubt and must also fear consequences such as fines if they misbehave. With the zero-tolerance policy towards the fan group, it should no longer come to that.

“With their behaviour and statements, the group and its members not only violate the basic convictions of a free democratic constitutional order, but also our mission statement and what we embody as Spielvereinigung Erkenschwick. Every visitor should feel comfortable and welcome here, regardless of skin colour, gender or sexual identity,” the club emphasises.

And further: “In the future, there will be further discussions, reflections and work steps to consolidate our values, which are anchored in our mission statement, and to put them into practice. “