Maidstone United chief executive Bill Williams tells fans to stay off the pitch for National South trophy presentation
Published: 13:04, 06 May 2022
Updated: 13:06, 06 May 2022
Maidstone United fans have been told there must be no repeat of the pitch invasion that followed their title success.
Chief executive Bill Williams has instructed supporters to stay behind the barriers when the final whistle goes against Hampton & Richmond tomorrow.
Hundreds of fans poured on to the pitch after last weekend's 3-1 win over Chelmsford clinched the National South championship.
Williams understood the emotion of the occasion but, as Gavin Hoyte and George Elokobi prepare to receive the trophy, it cannot happen again.
"The relationship between our fans and our players and management has been extra special this season," said Williams, "and I fully understand the exuberance when we beat Chelmsford and I get why the fans flooded on to the field, but I must add a word of caution for this not to happen tomorrow. Because tomorrow is different.
"We will be celebrating as a club and there will be the trophy presentation at the end of the match.
"So, I repeat, please do not come over the barriers as this is not about the fans, or the players, or the management, or the owners, it is about all of us celebrating as one, together, as a club.
"So, please respect this very special moment for our players and our management as they accept the trophy on behalf of all of us at Maidstone United."
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Craig Tucker