On Wednesday evening (8th April), a ‘lessons learned’ debrief was undertaken in respect of the arrangements at the game against Oxford City (the previous Good Friday 3rd April), in addition to increased measures undertaken at a number of preceding games. At the review meeting, along with various Board Directors, members from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) were in attendance, which included representatives from South Wales Police, as well as our Stewarding/Security and CCTV Partners.

Please find below a summary of the key points covered.

Current Environment

Across England and Wales, it is well documented that there is unfortunately a sustained rise in trouble at football at all levels, with the latest policing and Home Office data showing a clear increase in disorder incidents. Although arrests have fallen, Football Banning Orders (FBOs) continue to rise, reflecting a policing and judicial focus on the most serious offenders, particularly in relation to disorder and hate crime.

Whilst acknowledging by far the vast majority of supporters attending behave responsibly, it is recognised a small minority of so called ‘fans’ continue to generate headlines. Evidence from multiple police forces also points to a growing undercurrent of youth linked antisocial behaviour, with several constabularies reporting the increased involvement of younger spectators in ASB and attempted violence.

That said, and to place this in context, out of more than one million match attendees nationally, fewer than 0.01% are arrested. Football is a safe and enjoyable sport for the overwhelming number of genuine supporters and families who attend.

Security & Stewarding

Board Directors have a clear duty of care to ensure the safety of everyone attending the ground. Under new legislation - specifically Martyn’s Law (The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025) - Penydarren Park is classified as an Enhanced level (Tier 2) venue due to attendances exceeding 800 people. This means that, in addition to the basic Tier 1 requirements (such as staff training and emergency plans), Tier 2 venues must implement more robust and proactive security measures, including:

• Enhanced CCTV coverage

• Bag checks and entrypoint controls

• Formalised security planning

• Mandatory risk assessments and documented Public Protection Measures

While the legislation does not prescribe a fixed number of stewards or security staff, established event safety practice (such as the Purple Guide and SIA aligned providers) recommends the following non statutory baseline ratios:

• 1 steward per 100 attendees for low risk events

• 1 per 50 for moderate risk events

• 1 per 30 for higher risk or mixed movement environment

• Plus dedicated supervisors, control room operators and response roles

These ratios are not mandated, but they are widely regarded by regulators as reasonable and proportionate.

Martyn’s Law received Royal Assent in April 2025, and venues have up to two years to achieve compliance. This applies to every football Club - which as a result means our supporters should expect to see increased security presence when visiting away grounds. At Merthyr Town FC, we are proud to have taken the ethical and proactive approach of progressing an early implementation of the legislation.

Should you be interested in finding further details of Martyn’s Law, a Government factsheet is available here: https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2025/04/03/martyns-law-factsheet/

Further Threat Assessment

Alongside the preparatory work undertaken by the SAG, a dynamic risk assessment is conducted in real time based on available intelligence. This assessment is carried out by the Police using the UK Football Policing Matrix - a national intelligence led system used to categorise risk at football fixtures.

This process is led by a Dedicated Football Officer (DFO), who plays a key role in minimising antisocial behaviour, violence and criminality at football events. Depending on the risk levels assessed, additional Police Officers and specialist ‘Spotters’ may also be deployed inside and outside the ground.

Over the past few months, the DFO has identified at least eleven specific incidents. This includes intelligence obtained within the stadium during the Oxford game, which resulted in additional Police Officers being placed on standby after the game and outside the ground. By way of example, the Oxford match carried a higher than usual risk because the Cardiff City fixture, planned for the same day, was postponed. As a result, Police intelligence suggested that certain known nominals were likely to divert to our game. Therefore additional security measures were put in place to safeguard all supporters—home and away alike.

Finally, in answer to a number of questions posed, aside from a contribution to costs at the home game against Hereford – with a heightened risk assessment and crowd of just under 4,000 - the Club does not pay for any policing presence at home fixtures.

Bans

Prior to January 2026, the Club had not imposed any bans restricting access to the stadium. However, as of the date of writing, four individuals are prohibited from entering Penydarren Park until next season due to unacceptable and threatening behaviour. Regrettably, several of these cases involve younger spectators.

These so-called ‘fans’ are frequently known to be troublemakers and supporters of other Clubs, who attend with the deliberate intention of causing disruption. Most incidents have occurred in the David Miles Stand, which – whilst we are pleased to say is where our more vociferous and vocal fans congregate - has required an increased security presence in that area to ensure the safety of everyone.

Also, where teenagers Under 18 and minors are involved, the Club is unable to publicise details due to safeguarding obligations. Similarly, spectators cannot be banned without due cause -action can only be taken once behaviour meets the threshold for intervention.

Unfortunately, this is not just limited to our stadium – a number of individuals have come to the attention of police at other stadiums attending our away fixtures.

Banning remains a last resort, but the Club will not hesitate to act when safety of our genuine supporters is at stake.

In Summary

Merthyr Town FC is committed to providing the safest possible environment for all supporters. It is not our wish to impact the enjoyment of our true fans; however, the rise in antisocial behaviour and the introduction of new legislation require us to take proportionate and responsible action.

We hope this explanation helps clarify the reasons behind the recent changes and reassures supporters that these measures are taken solely to protect everyone attending Penydarren Park. Put simply, the Board wants every supporter to enjoy a safe, welcoming, and well-run match day - we are committed to delivering the best possible match day experience while ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone who attends. Our intention is to balance this, and deliver in as cost effective and efficient way as possible. We may get this wrong - or be seen to get things wrong – however everything is done with the best intentions.

Before closing - the Club remains ever grateful for the loyal band of volunteers - particularly those who give their time and experience on match days. And we would very much welcome additions to this family. cohort So why not join in? Numerous opportunities are available: in particular, if there is anyone with relevant match day organising skills who would be willing to offer their services the Club - we would be delighted to hear from you.

Every true fan is welcome at Penydarren Park. Please do not be discouraged from coming to support our successful and entertaining team.

#UTT