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New rules for under-18s after fans hit by stones
Sophie Ladd Gloucestershire reporter
David Faulkner David Faulkner stands inside a football ground, with the stands behind him. He is in a red and blue checked long sleeve shirt.
David Faulkner said other clubs have noticed similar trouble

A football boss says it has implemented new rules for under 18's after recent incidents of violence at matches.

Gloucester City AFC said it was concerned for the safety of its supporters following the away match against Redditch United on Saturday.

Redditch United chairman David Faulkner said more than 50 youths, who were turned away from the stadium, threw rocks at Gloucester fans while they were leaving.

Faulkner said it was not an isolated incident, with a similar situation happening in August, and he believed it stems from a social media trend.

"Groups of lads are using TikTok and Snapchat to sort of spread a thing," he said.

"If you go onto TikTok now, you're going to find video after video. You've got about 10 lads [inside the stadium] and they're just on their phone, they're just recording it. It makes good views on TikTok," he added.

Faulkner said due to the spate of incidents, anyone under the age of 18 now had to be accompanied by an adult.

"We do a youth season ticket where you can come in independently, but what we ask there is for a photo ID and next of kin information," he added.

A non-league football ground, with the goal to the left of the photo and stands at thew back of the photo. The sky in the photo is grey and cloudy.
50 youths waited outside the stadium of Gloucester City's away match after being barred from attendance

"The safety and well-being of our supporters is paramount, and we want to reassure everyone that incidents of this nature will be taken extremely seriously," Gloucester City AFC added.

West Mercia Police said it was reviewing CCTV to establish what had happened and no serious injuries were reported.

The force also said it was looking to establish whether any other offences had been committed and to identify those involved.

It said appropriate action would be taken.

Other non-league clubs have also issued statements after incidents at matches, including Leamington Spa FC and Stratford Town FC.

A spokesperson for the Football Association said: "We are currently working with stakeholders across the National League System (NLS) to help them develop policies that safely welcome young fans to NLS grounds, while ensuring that the best interests of clubs and their supporters are appropriately considered."

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