FOOTBALL Fans stood on tables, chanted and even lit a torch at the Hollywood Bowl ahead of York City’s game against Chesterfield at the Community Stadium last night, an eyewitness claimed.
An eyewitness told The Press that fans who had gathered at the bowling alley ahead of the match were shouting football-themed chants that were “out of place for a family establishment”.
“Back then, the football fans were jumping on the tables, chanting non-stop and refusing to stop,” he said.
“A flare was fired in the dining area of the establishment, near the bar. This could have caused a catastrophic, life-threatening fire.
“Football fans refused to leave when the fire evacuation procedure was initiated, with staff insulting. Some employees were physically threatened while being filmed and laughed at.”
According to an eyewitness, the situation “dissolved” when the police arrived.
But he said that since the Hollywood Bowl is the closest business to the ballpark where fans can drink before the game, “obviously there’s a problem.”
“I can’t understand why a public stadium wouldn’t care about the businesses next door, knowing that fans often have a drinking problem,” he said.
“This clearly cannot happen again and the stadium management must liaise with senior management at the Hollywood Bowl to agree a satisfactory match day arrangement.
“This will ensure the safety of Hollywood Bowl staff and patrons, including young families, during York City FC match days”.
In a statement released last night, York City Football Club said: “We are disappointed to learn that Chesterfield and York City fans caused disruption at the Hollywood Bowl ahead of tonight’s game.
“York City Football Club is keen to remain on good terms with our neighbors and asks all fans visiting the LNER Community Stadium to be respectful.
“SMC will be working with York Police and Chesterfield Football Club to investigate and further action will be taken if necessary.”
It’s not the first time there have been problems ahead of York City’s recent home game.
The club has vowed to take action after a fan reported racist and homophobic chants from fans during a match against Aldershot Town on Saturday 22 October.
Hollywood Bowl, which has 24 bowling lanes, opened at York’s LNER Community Stadium in October 2020, creating 30 new jobs at the time, from bar staff to management positions.
The Press has approached the Hollywood Bowl, the Community Stadium Management Committee and North Yorkshire Police for comment.
https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/23079128.chanting-football-fans-stand-tables-hollywood-bowl/?ref=rss
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