SUPPORTERS of both Stourbridge and Halesowen Town have been warned about their behaviour ahead of the first ‘Number Nine Derby’ of the season on Tuesday night (August 28).

The ongoing rivalry has boiled over in recent seasons, with a number of off-field incidents – mainly involving the use of flares and smoke bombs.

Two flares were set off during a match between the two sides at the War Memorial Ground last October, with a woman in her 60s – who was in the away end – suffering bruising to the throat after being hit.

The latest match, which kicks off at 7.45pm at Amblecote, will be the first time the sides have faced off as members of the new EvoStik Southern League Central Premier Division.

But in an open message published on behalf of both Stourbridge FC and Halesowen Town FC, the clubs say there will be a “zero tolerance” approach to any supporter deemed to be acting in “an unsatisfactory manner” and they will be ejected from the ground.

The clubs called the people who bring flares into the ground as ‘not genuine supporters’, adding: “Neither club wishes to be associated with you.”

The letter also said the previous incidents put the fixture at “serious jeopardy”, with a “significant prospect” of the matches between the two being played behind closed doors in the future.

The full letter reads:

Both Clubs are rightly proud of competing in the ‘Number 9’ Derby fixture, and the exposure this fixture gets on various Social Media Outlets across the whole Country; it is arguably the biggest Local Derby in Non-League football (as both Clubs already know it’s the best one anyway!). It is in the nature of football within England, that a Derby fixture is one all fans, players and management of each team rightly look forward to, whenever a new seasons fixtures are released; this fixture is no different and the recent attendances, at both Amblecote and The Grove reflect this.

We are both proud local clubs, who both benefit from passionate support at fixtures both home, and away across the country. Many other clubs would love to have that passionate support available to them. The vast majority of those who attend this fixture at either ground, do so in the correct manner; fully supporting their team, which makes for an absolutely fantastic atmosphere. Both Club’s wish to thank their GENUINE Supporters for the backing received each and every season.

Both Clubs however, wish to put on record their absolute disdain and utter frustration that recent fixtures have been marred by events that do not belong at any Football fixture in England. Bringing a pyrotechnic device into any arena in England, is a Criminal Offence, and we simply do not understand why any individual would choose to do so, given the potential dangers they possess; not only to other supporters within the ground, but also to the safety of ground infrastructure itself.

You are NOT a genuine supporter of either Club if you decide to bring such a device into this fixture, and neither Club wishes to be associated with you. The actions of these people in recent years, is placing the playing of this fixture before the excellent crowds we see, in serious jeopardy. There is a significant prospect of this fixture being played behind CLOSED DOORS in future, if events continue as they have done in previous seasons; neither Club wishes for this to be the case.

Because of the issues that have previously occurred, we have no choice, but to ‘manage’ this fixture is line with that of a Football League or Premier League fixture, for the safety and security of the genuine spectators and fans of each club. As a result, the following steps will be in place next Tuesday evening:

A ZERO tolerance approach to any supporter deemed to be acting in an unsatisfactory manner; (this means immediate ejection from the Ground)

Random Turnstile Searches will take place upon entry to the Ground; if any supporter is deemed to be under the influence of alcohol, (or any other substance), they will be immediately ejected and no refund of the admission fee paid will be provided:

West Midlands Police will be in attendance at the fixture, with officers having their ‘Body Cams’ permanently switched on, filming the crowd;

West Midlands Police ‘Spotters’ will be on duty both inside and outside the ground;

Additional Security Staff will also be filming the Crowds in each stand;

The Security Teams in place are used to dealing with Football League Crowds; they have been informed to act as if this fixture is the same;

NO BAGS/RUCKSACKS/CARRIER BAGS (with the exception of a Female Supporter’s Handbag or required Individual Medication) will be allowed into the Ground; All bags are liable to be searched upon entry;

No Drinks containers (bottles / cans etc) are to be brought into the ground; all drinks purchased inside the ground, will be ‘decanted’ into a ‘plastic’ glass

The usual method for this fixture will remain in place, both turnstile blocks will be open (both at the Archway and Church End), and Turnstiles will open at 6.30PM. There is a safety capacity allowed in ‘The Shed’; once this has been reached, NO FURTHER Access will be allowed.

For this fixture only, there is also NO SUPPORTER PARKING on site at all; parking is only available for players and officials of both clubs, plus Guests. Please also be respectful of local residents should you drive to the fixture; local policing teams are in support and your vehicle will be removed without warning if necessary.

We will of course provide limited car parking facilities for supporters holding a BLUE BADGE only; details to be provided to Clive Eades of Stourbridge FC by 5PM On Sunday 26th August at the latest. This is on a first come, first served basis. Contact details are available from our Club Website.