Exeter City FC and police praise football fans
Exeter City FC and Devon & Cornwall Police would like to thank fans of both City and Plymouth Argyle for their excellent behaviour during the recent meeting between the two sides at St James Park.
The Devon Derby is always a passionate affair and often attracts the largest gate of the season – both at St James Park and Home Park. We are pleased to report that this year’s derby can live long in the memory for the exciting on-field action, an electric trouble free atmosphere enjoyed by all.
Both sets of fans made plenty of noise as they cheered on their teams, as the rivals played out a 1-1 draw. Liam Sercombe’s first-half opener gave the Grecians the advantage, though they were pegged back when Joe Lennox struck after the interval for the Pilgrims.
Exeter City Chief Executive Julian Tagg feels that football fans in Devon are amongst the best in the country – as well as reinforcing the great behind-the-scenes relationship that the two clubs have.
He said: “We’re delighted with the positive atmosphere created by our own fans, and those that made the trip up from Plymouth. It was a loud and colourful occasion despite the soggy weather, and thankfully everyone was able to enjoy it without it being spoilt by any mischief-makers.
“We have an exceptional relationship with Plymouth – and all our neighbours in football – when it comes to working together and pulling in the same direction off the pitch. We have a healthy rivalry, which is historic and hugely important – but behind the scenes the Devon clubs meet regularly to get their heads together to see how they can all help each other through these difficult times.
“This week our head groundsman Clive Pring and his team spent the day at Plainmoor to try to help clear the water from Torquay’s pitch – but that barely scratches the surface when it comes to examples of how well we all cooperate.”
Chief Superintendent Chris Singer of Devon & Cornwall Police said: “We’re very pleased that the day passed almost entirely without incident. We’re committed to making sure that the football grounds in our area are safe, family-friendly places to go to, regardless of the fixture.
“Exeter City share our ambition in making sure that St James Park is an enjoyable place to go, without any concerns about trouble occurring in or around the ground. In that respect, the Devon Derby was a great success.”
John Harvey, the City Centre Manager for Exeter, added: “The city centre was particularly busy on this pre-Christmas Saturday, and by all accounts fans from both clubs contributed to festive atmosphere and a bumper day for the city’s businesses”.
