In an act of incredible generosity, MK Dons supporters have dug deep into their pockets to raise over £1,300 for Hyde United Football Club, following the incidents which occurred during the Emirates FA Cup tie at Ewen Fields back in November.
Flares thrown from the home stands both before and during last month’s clash caused considerable damage to an area of the 4G playing surface at Ewen Fields – so much so that match referee David Webb had to inspect the turf ahead of kick-off to deem it was playable.
Wanting to help Hyde United in whichever way possible, Dons supporter David Drysdale created a GoFundMe page following a suggestion by a member of an unofficial MK Dons fans forum, Alby. Within minutes the donations filtered in and, after just 29 days, a grand total of £1,500 was raised.
This past Saturday, Adam and Margaret Faiers travelled back up to Ewen Fields to hand over a cheque to the Hyde United directors and they were met with a warm reception, as Adam recalled to mkdons.com.
“As soon as we arrived we were welcomed into the boardroom with open arms,” he said. “We also visited the social club for a drink and the immediate reception was so appreciative.
“They were not only so grateful for the donations but the professionalism and respect we showed them that evening in November. Everybody from the lady we met in the tea shop to the young supporters, they were all so thankful for what we’d done.
“They told us they now all look out for our results. We watched the game in the Shed – their equivalent to the Cowshed – while also keeping up to date with what was going on at Stadium MK and every time we scored they were just as excited as we were!”
Adam added: “I think it was clear from our visit what a friendly club Hyde United are and hopefully the few that were there to cause trouble that evening haven’t tarnished Hyde’s reputation in the eyes of supporters.”
On where the money will be used, Adam said: “With the repairs to the pitch being covered by insurance, Hyde informed us that the money raised will be going into their community fund to help provide the programmes that we are used to seeing from our Sport and Education Trust.
“I’m sure all those that donated will agree, it is brilliant to know the money will be used to really good affect.”
*The Club are also pleased to be welcoming Keith, Jen, Seth and Luca Frankish to Stadium MK this weekend for the Sky Bet League One clash with Shrewsbury Town.
Seth and Luca are two young fans who suffered a terrifying experience during the Emirates FA Cup tie with Hyde United when the flares landed close to them in the away stand at Ewen Fields.
The family will meet up with Robbie Neilson prior to the game and then join the Directors in the Boardroom. Hyde United have also invited the family back to their stadium for a future game.
Executive Director Andrew Cullen said: “We hope that both these special experiences will demonstrate to Seth and Luca a more positive side of football and that they will both go on to enjoy the game for many years to come.”
