Terras to ban fans who run on to pitch
By Matt Pitman

Monday 31st January 2005

WEYMOUTH Football Club chief Martyn Harrison is threatening to ban fans who invaded the pitch during the Terras' win at Basingstoke Town.

The millionaire hotel tycoon is vowing to take disciplinary action after a handful of supporters ran on to the Camrose playing surface during Weymouth's 1-0 victory on Saturday.

Danny Byrne's winner deep into stoppage time sparked wild celebrations among more than 200 travelling fans.

The late goal saw half a dozen supporters invade the pitch, one of whom abused home substitute keeper Mark Zawadski after running from the terraces to confront him.

The pitch invasion followed a frantic closing ten minutes during which home keeper Scott Tarr was sent off for handling outside his area.

With time running out, his replacement Zawadski felled Terras striker Ludovic Cadima just when it seemed the teenager was about to score.

From the resulting free kick, Byrne curled home a stunning shot, prompting the pitch invasion and the bar- racking of Zawadski.

The incident marred a determined win for Steve Johnson's side which lifted them into sixth place in Nationwide Conference South.

The pitch invaders escaped punishment from home stewards but Harrison is promising to get tough to stamp out any future trouble.

The Football Association could now take action against home club Basingstoke Town over the incident if referee Edward Martin reports the Hampshire side for inadequate crowd control.

Harrison said: "The pitch invasion spoiled what was a great day for the club.

"While the manager Steve Johnson, the players and I appreciate the wonderful support the fans give to the club, there are certain limits to what is acceptable.

"At Basingstoke a small number of people over- stepped the mark, one person way beyond the acceptable.

"This matter is being taken very seriously by Weymouth Football Club.

"Never should a fan go on to the pitch and never should anyone approach an opposition player.

"The club finds this totally unacceptable and if there is any reoccurrence of this in the future we will take serious action.

"Our supporters, like our staff, are representing Weymouth Football Club and have a duty to act in a responsible manner."