The issue of online abuse regrettably is becoming a bigger issue in society and we are aware of incidents of this affecting our staff.
We are also aware that abuse of staff in person continues to take place.
We would like to take this opportunity to re-iterate that any supporters who take part in targeted abuse of Coventry City staff, in person or online, will be subject to bans.
We are aware that some supporters took exception to ticket checks on Saturday – particularly those who were caught using the wrong age category Season Ticket.
The ticket checks were instructed by the Club to stop supporters who have bought the wrong age category – these supporters were then sent to the Ticket Office to rectify.
These supporters are defrauding their Football Club and are cheating their fellow supporters who are paying the correct amount.
Supporters are advised that such checks will be common place going forward.
We are also aware of increased abuse of staff working in other supporter facing areas, such as the Ticket Office and Club Shop.
The Club’s policy regarding this can be seen here.
Doug King, Executive Chairman and Owner, said:
“Supporters must pay the correct amount for their ticket, based on their age category.
“It is only right that we check this, as this is costing the Club a significant amount of money and cheating other fans. These checks will be common place going forward.
“Fans must not do this and we cannot allow this to happen. That is why the checks are happening and they will continue to happen.”
Dave Boddy, Chief Executive, said:
“Abuse of staff, either in person or online, is not acceptable.
“We know this is the minority but it is important we re-iterate this message.
“We want our Football Club to be a positive environment on and off the pitch. Without dedicated staff working for us, many of whom are supporters and passionate about the Club, we will not be successful.”