Chichester council condemns violence at football matches following Midhurst incident
An incident on a football pitch which left one player in hospital has been condemned by Chichester District Council.
Police and an ambulance were called on Saturday (October 31) following the incident which happened around 15 minutes into a match between Midhurst & Easebourne and Emsworth Town, both of whom play in the West Sussex League. One home player suffered injuries to his mouth and jaw. The match was abandoned.
During a meeting of the cabinet on Tuesday (November 3), leader Adrian Moss said the council was “deeply concerned” about the incident, adding: “Violence of this nature has absolutely no place in our sporting environment or in our community.”
Wishing the player a full recovery, he added: “Football and grass-roots sports should be enjoyable, it should be [about] team work and bringing communities together.
“On behalf of the council I want to express our support to the football club and make clear that we stand alongside them in condemning this behaviour.”
Sidlesham-based Emsworth Town has since issued an apology, describing it as an “isolated incident” which did “not reflect the values of our club, players or volunteers”.
A spokesman said: “We will comply fully as a club with the West Sussex Football League and the county FA’s protocols and any actions they may take.”