Brock: Hawks fans not responsible for Solihull trouble

HAWKS director Trevor Brock has hit back at accusations levelled against the club in the Non-League Paper at the weekend.
Adi Yussuf's last-gasp goal earned Solihull Moors a 1-0 victory at the Hawks Picture: Keith WoodlandAdi Yussuf's last-gasp goal earned Solihull Moors a 1-0 victory at the Hawks Picture: Keith Woodland
Adi Yussuf's last-gasp goal earned Solihull Moors a 1-0 victory at the Hawks Picture: Keith Woodland

A letter from the Solihull Moors Supporters' Association complained about certain incidents on their recent visit to Westleigh Park.

It accused Hawks fans of intimidation and vandalism to both their team and supporters' coaches in the car park after the game on Saturday, September 29.

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Solihull won the game 1-0 thanks to Adi Yussuf's last-gasp goal.

Brock believes the letter published in the paper provided an inaccurate account, with the Hawks stalwart stating that those responsible '˜are nothing to do with the club'.

Speaking to The News, Brock said: '˜We have looked at the evidence available and we don't believe there were any fans involved.

'The team coach did have its paintwork scratched and as soon as it was reported to us we rang the police.

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'Having looked at all the CCTV camera footage that covers the area, though, we can find no evidence of any Hawks fans chanting and taunting the driver.

'We believe the incident with the stones being thrown at the supporters' coach happened as it drove off in Martins Road.

'At the moment the police are investigating the matter.

'In our view the perpetrators were local youths who are nothing to do with the club.

'It is part of a wider problem in the area which has seen buses and taxis regularly having stones and bricks thrown at them.

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'On the day a number of Hawks fans also had their cars vandalised, so it wasn't just them who were the victims.'

The Hawks have stepped up to the National League this season after winning two successive promotions.

This has meant bigger attendances which are likely to increase, with bigger, ex-Football League clubs like Leyton Orient, Wrexham, Chesterfield, FC Halifax and Barnet still to visit Westleigh Park.

These clubs have big support bases that travel with their team.

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The Westleigh Park outfit have taken their responsibilities of handling the bigger crowds seriously.

Facilities have been installed to enable segregation to take place when necessary and extra stewards have been employed on match days.

Fan trouble is rare in non-league football and the Hawks' record over the years has been impeccable.

Crowd trouble at Westleigh Park is unheard of.

Brock insists the club is a community, family-friendly and safe place to watch football.

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'We have always prided ourselves on the welcome we give to our visitors, added Brock.

'This has always been the case and will continue in the future.

'It is a regrettable incident which the police are investigating.

'At the moment we are working closely with the police to resolve the problem

'We are confident it has nothing to do with Hawks fans.

'I will be replying to the letter and putting a few facts straight.'

The Hawks face another big game on Saturday when Gateshead make the long journey to the south coast.

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