Violence Could End Rovers Share

Swindon Town F.C have confirmed after the violent attacks on Swindon Town fans at Bristol Rovers Saturday will be investigating whether groundsharing with Rovers is a good idea.

Bristol Rovers have permission to redevelop the Memorial Stadium and will need a temporary home while the redevelopment takes place.

Rovers narrowed the choices down to Swindon Town or Cheltenham Town, however Swindon Town fans have been very vocal about not wanting Rovers anywhere near the County Ground. Chants of ‘We Don’t Want Rovers Here’ when the team played Mansfield and ‘Your Not Fit To Share Our Ground’ were sung at Bristol on the weekend.

Several Swindon Town fans including women, children and familes were attacked by Bristol Rovers ‘fans’ at the Inn On The Green Pub in Bristol, and left bloodied and battered, whilst having mobile phones and wallets stolen.

Fans have been calling for a statement to be made from the club advising them that Bristol Rovers will not be made welcome at the County Ground and that the club no longer wish to continue discussions.

Tensions between the clubs were at a high after fans threw seats, coins and other debris at each other at the County Ground in December.

Swindon Town F.C have told Vital Swindon Town the following. ‘Any violence associated with football is thoroughly distasteful, but vicious unprovoked assaults on families are completely unacceptable. We have requested reports from the safety officer in Bristol and the local police and clearly these incidents will have a significant bearing on any further discussions that may take place regarding the suggested ground share.’