Gold issues warning to fans

Last updated : 22 December 2002 By Brian Cartlidge
Blues were hit with a £25,000 fine by the Football Association last week, after they pleaded guilty to charges of failing to control supporters during the local derby clash with Villa at St Andrew's in September.

Gold said the fine could affect manager Steve Bruce's transfer dealings and that further problems could see Blues being deducted league points.

"What happened to us this week sent out a message to the whole of football, not just Birmingham City," said Gold.

"But as far as I'm concerned, if any of our supporters invade the pitch again they can burn their scarves and throw away their badges - we will not consider them to be Blues fans.

"We will take every step we can to review our security, but there has to be a some responsibility shown from the fans here. Next time, we could lose points and be relegated.

"But even now, this has denied Steve Bruce some valuable transfer cash with the window coming up next month. A sum like £25,000 could prove to be the clincher in a transfer. It was intended for Steve, now it's been paid as a fine. I hope we don't lose out on a signing because of this.

"It could be that we fail to get the sort of player that could keep us in the Premiership.

"The days are gone when people ran on to the pitch and were fined £10 by the local magistrate because they would come back and do it again.

"Now, one fan is in jail and we have been heavily fined which must surely bring the message home."

Charlton Match Report




If you would like the top stories on Singing The Blues to be emailed to you for FREE on a weekly or daily basis CLICK HERE