Milton Keynes Dons would like to acknowledge the outstanding backing from the majority of the Club’s supporters throughout the 2015/16 campaign.
The chairman, manager, staff and players thoroughly appreciate the passionate manner in which you have supported the team and look forward to this continuing for the important final 11 games of the season.
MK Dons has developed a reputation for being a family-friendly club and has always prided itself on the conduct of its supporters, both home and away, when representing the Football Club.
However, there has been an unfortunate shift this season, caused by a small minority who are attending MK Dons away games and creating an unpleasant atmosphere for other MK Dons supporters.
The Club is well aware of the issue and some of our dedicated supporters have made it clear to us that they will not travel again until the anti-social behaviour is resolved.
Together with the Thames Valley Police (TVP) – which has also indicated its concern at the conduct of a minority of MK Dons supporters at home and away matches, as well as travelling to and from fixtures – the Club has been closely monitoring the activities and behaviour of this specific group and the TVP is fully supportive of the Club in challenging the behaviour of some individuals. Under an Information-Sharing Agreement that exists between the two organisations, TVP will continue to communicate information to reduce crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour, which may result in action being taken when it becomes apparent.
Following consultation with the Milton Keynes Dons Supporters Association and the Matchday Experience Group, the Club has put in place the following process.
Firstly, the Club’s Customer Charter section on supporter behaviour has been revised to include the following: “If the Club considers that any supporter or person is behaving in a manner likely to jeopardise the safety or enjoyment of others, or may bring discredit on the Club or the community of Milton Keynes at home or away fixtures, it will, in consultation with a nominated representative from the MKDSA, make a decision as to whether that person should become subject to a Club ban.”
Secondly, those individuals that have been identified will be contacted and warned by the Club that any future occurrence of their anti-social behaviour may involve a ban from attending both future home and away games.
Separately, four of the fans arrested at Queens Park Rangers in October have subsequently been banned by the courts from attending games for nine months. The length of these bans may be extended further by the Club.
The individual ejected at Northampton Town in January for being in possession of a pyrotechnic has received further sanctions from the Club.
The Club hope these measures will show its determination to stamp out the anti-social behaviour which has emerged this season away from home, and reassure the majority of supporters who wish to continue passionately support the Dons around the country that they can do so in a safe, friendly and non-intimidating environment.
MK Dons has developed a reputation for being a family-friendly club and has always prided itself on the conduct of its supporters, both home and away, when representing the Football Club.
However, there has been an unfortunate shift this season, caused by a small minority who are attending MK Dons away games and creating an unpleasant atmosphere for other MK Dons supporters.
The Club is well aware of the issue and some of our dedicated supporters have made it clear to us that they will not travel again until the anti-social behaviour is resolved.
Together with the Thames Valley Police (TVP) – which has also indicated its concern at the conduct of a minority of MK Dons supporters at home and away matches, as well as travelling to and from fixtures – the Club has been closely monitoring the activities and behaviour of this specific group and the TVP is fully supportive of the Club in challenging the behaviour of some individuals. Under an Information-Sharing Agreement that exists between the two organisations, TVP will continue to communicate information to reduce crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour, which may result in action being taken when it becomes apparent.
Following consultation with the Milton Keynes Dons Supporters Association and the Matchday Experience Group, the Club has put in place the following process.
Firstly, the Club’s Customer Charter section on supporter behaviour has been revised to include the following: “If the Club considers that any supporter or person is behaving in a manner likely to jeopardise the safety or enjoyment of others, or may bring discredit on the Club or the community of Milton Keynes at home or away fixtures, it will, in consultation with a nominated representative from the MKDSA, make a decision as to whether that person should become subject to a Club ban.”
Secondly, those individuals that have been identified will be contacted and warned by the Club that any future occurrence of their anti-social behaviour may involve a ban from attending both future home and away games.
Separately, four of the fans arrested at Queens Park Rangers in October have subsequently been banned by the courts from attending games for nine months. The length of these bans may be extended further by the Club.
The individual ejected at Northampton Town in January for being in possession of a pyrotechnic has received further sanctions from the Club.
The Club hope these measures will show its determination to stamp out the anti-social behaviour which has emerged this season away from home, and reassure the majority of supporters who wish to continue passionately support the Dons around the country that they can do so in a safe, friendly and non-intimidating environment.
