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County drum boy Gaz ‘bang out of order’
Miles Skinner30/ 8/2006
A NOISY Stockport County fan has been drummed out of the grounds after club officials insisted he was bang out of order.
Gareth Eccleston says he was threatened with a four-match ban for standing up to support the Hatters with his drum - a favourite with fans - by stewards at Edgeley Park.
The 17-year-old from Offerton was snared by stewards at last Tuesday's match against Derby and given his marching orders by head safety officer Gordon Taylor.
He was ejected from the stadium not for his drumming but for spending too much time on his feet and encouraging other supporters to stand.
Gareth, who has spent £500 on following the club this season, said: "The stewards were very heavy-handed and I do feel I have once again been scape-goated for everyone's excitement."
The Aquinas student was the centre of a storm three years ago when the council pressured the club to ban the drum on grounds of disturbance.
He drummed-up support from friends, family and fans, however, and was allowed to continue for two years.
"When I was allowed back they tried putting me at the front with the drum, but it doesn't work.
"It's up at the back where we create the atmosphere - there should be a bit where we can stand and sing and drum."
Stockport County's managing director Keith Agar said: "The FA regulations are against people standing for too long. It's a safety issue and that's why Gareth was removed.
"Whether or not the stewards acted over the top will be determined when I meet with them, but they do a very difficult job guarding people's best interests with no appreciation - we don't have a queue of people wanting to take their place.
"The rules, or the implementation of them are inconsistent club to club and I agree it can be frustrating. I love the drum and it was refreshing to meet Gareth, who is a polite and intelligent young man - but I can't condone what he did.
"I hope to discuss the matter with him this week - he has my card and the door is always open.
"But from where I stand it seems like a yellow card matter and I would expect you'll be hearing that drum again on Sunday."
Most recent 2 of 6 user comments
1/09/2006 at 17:54
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I now have to get off work, so I can get to the match tomorrow!
Come on County! :]
2/09/2006 at 21:36