Club Statement | Ayr Ultras

Ayr United can confirm it held positive discussions with fans group ‘Ayr Youth’.
The club is aware of the growing ‘ultra’ scene across Scotland, where groups of young people, with an average age of 14, are attending matches with the desire of creating a positive atmosphere.

Ayr Youth and the Ragazzi have done a fantastic job of increasing the atmosphere at home and away matches and their efforts make a significant difference to the team, and have been applauded by the management staff and the players. 

What has become apparent over recent months is that the supporter groups contain 2 distinct elements: Firstly Ayr United fans who are keen to see an improved atmosphere in support of the team and Secondly, an element who attach themselves to the groups and engage in behaviours that are unacceptable in and around stadiums, which does little but increase costs to the football club, and misrepresent what the club seeks to achieve.

Managing Director Graeme Mathie said “In conversation with colleagues across the leagues in Scotland, it’s apparent that individuals wishing to engage in unacceptable behaviour in and around football is unfortunately on the rise.
For all the good work Ayr Youth and the Ragazzi do in creating a great atmosphere, their efforts are hugely damaged by the behaviours of other elements who are now undoubtedly causing the club harm.
Our policing and security costs for matches at Somerset Park are now 3 times what we budgeted at the start of the season, and in addition to reports of fighting in/around train stations and the use of pyrotechnics which cause huge risk to fellow supporters, we are aware of vandalism at away grounds, and even within our own stadium the cost of which the club has to incur.

The club is now coming under increasing pressure to close the segregation fence and not allow home supporters to access the last 1/3 of the North Terrace and we have so far resisted those requests as we are aware of how positive the atmosphere is to the team when they are shooting into the Railway End.
That said, we have discussed this with representatives from Ayr Youth last week and have come to the conclusion that if we see unacceptable behaviours at Friday’s match v Falkirk then we will be left with no other option to close the fence for the remaining matches of the season, including playoff matches.

Ayr Youth have also offered profits from the sale of their stickers in the club shop to help towards the costs incurred, which is a gesture that is appreciated but we would far prefer that these profits be spent on items that help in their mission to boost the matchday atmosphere.

The club is working closely with South Ayrshire Education & Police Scotland to highlight the dangers of unacceptable conduct at matches, and it is hoped these ongoing education sessions will mean there are far more young people engaged with Ayr Youth & the Ragazzi for the benefit of supporting the club and an end to those attending who display the detrimental behaviours which we have seen in recent weeks.”

For the avoidance of doubt, Ayr United acknowledge that this is currently a widespread issue throughout Scottish football. 
However, as a club which prides itself on being part of our community, Ayr United must stress that anti-social behaviour - be it inside or outside of stadiums - that is associated with our name and badge cannot and will not be allowed to continue. The surge in youngsters supporting our team is to be welcomed and we are hopeful that they - like all of us - still have plenty to cheer in the coming weeks, months and years ahead.