The board of football club RBC from Roosendaal is disappointed by recent statements from a small group of supporters. For example, the last two games in the Achten Stadium were heard speaking choirs towards opponents UNA and NAC O21. There were also faces with face covering in the stands. “This will no longer be tolerated,” the board says in a statement.
RBC is on the rise in amateur football. Last season, the club obtained his PhD for the third year in a row and even played in a sold -out stadium in the final of the after competition. The Roosendalers currently end up in the third division B, in which it occupies tenth place after five games.
Due to the sporting successes, there is increasing interest from fans to come to RBC competitions. “We have more than 1300 supporters in competition matches, in the cup match against GVVV next week we expect more than 2000. The boys who are always there provide a fantastic atmosphere,” says Vice -President Eric Konings.
“But I also know about the time that I was young, that because of the anonymity in a football stadium there were sometimes things that you would not call one on one to someone. We are not a choir boys’ association, but on the other hand it must remain within the limits of the similar.”
“Important to always enter into dialogue.”
From the club, two supporters Liaison Officer (SLO) were appointed for this season who are in contact with the fans. A SLO is a link between the supporters and a club. “As a club, we think it is very important to always enter into a dialogue with our supporters’ groups. From the SLO a bit of prevention is done and certain things that live among the supporters are recognized at an early stage. If things happen that cannot be done, then we will talk to supporters.”
“It has become a bit of supporters culture.”
What RBC no longer allows is to wear face covering. “Of course it is fine if you take a scarf or take a hat. But with a kind of mask in the stands, it does not fit in with the experience that we as RBC want to put down and also not within the regulations of the KNVB. It has become a bit of supporter culture, but we think it is important that you can watch and recognize each other.”
If supporters continue with unacceptable behavior, RBC will act against this. “Ultimately, from our good relationship with our fans, we try to prevent something annoying happening. Usually that is successful. But if it happens and conversations do not help, then sanctions can be imposed. Those sanctions can be anything, such as a ban, but frankly I assume that it will not get that far.”
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