Lancing football stadium dog ban '˜disappoints' loyal fans

A loyal football fan has vowed never to return to Lancing's Culver Road stadium after learning that his beloved pet is no longer welcome there.
Albert Green said he will no longer watch matches at Lancing because Martha is bannedAlbert Green said he will no longer watch matches at Lancing because Martha is banned
Albert Green said he will no longer watch matches at Lancing because Martha is banned

Great-grandfather Albert Green said he and his Patterdale Terrier Martha, who has accompanied him to matches for six years, will find somewhere else to watch the sport after Sussex County FA announced they will start to enforce a dog ban at the stadium.

Mr Green and other dog owners were handed letters on Saturday asking them to refrain from bringing their pets to future matches.

The 82-year-old, of Elms Drive, said: “I was disappointed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Martha has been going to matches for just over six years and I’ve supported Lancing all this time.

“I think it’s wrong.”

The letter, from stadium manager Adrian Howell, cites health and safety requirements and the safeguarding of young people as reasons for the ban – as well as a recent incident in which an ‘aggressive’ dog ‘trapped’ two young children trying to exit the toilets.

He wrote: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly.”

John Rea, Lancing FC chairman, said: “As tenants, our hands are completely tied.

“We fought the good fight and we lost – but we haven’t given up hope that they might change their minds and allow a bit of relaxation for Lancing home fixtures.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics: