FOOTBALL fans have voted with their feet and are boycotting a key FA Trophy tie after problems on their last visit.
Stalybridge Celtic supporters will stay away from Avro when the two meet on Saturday, September 23.
When the Bower Fold side visited The Vestacare Stadium for a Northern Premier League West Division match on Saturday, August 28, clashes between groups of fans allegedly included one woman following the Tameside outfit being punched.
And after being drawn together in the knockout competition, the Stalybridge Celtic Supporters Association has overwhelmingly voted to not attend the stadium, which is situated in the Limeside area of Oldham
In a statement, it said: “Following a vote among members, the SCSA has decided to boycott the Avro game and we would encourage all Celtic fans to do the same.
“The welcome, or lack of, in August, followed by violence in which several Bridge fans were injured has determined this. The vote was 75 per cent in favour of a boycott.
“No fan should feel unsafe going into a football ground and, unfortunately, a minority of Avro fans leave Celtic fans feeling this way.
“Of course, some fans will want to travel and we do not want to put any pressure on them to not attend, but we feel, as an association, we need to represent fan welfare and deem it necessary to make a stand.”
While not travelling to the away fixture, the SCSA is asking Stalybridge Celtic supporters to donate the £10 entry fee to their club.
And it will be holding and event at the Celtic Social Club that day, with all funds going to the club.
Then group added: “If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that non-league football is about community.
“And we strive to make it a great one.”
You can donate the entry fee to Staybridge Celtic by clicking https://stalybridgecelticsupporters.co.uk/membership/ols/products/avro-fa-trophy-donate-your-fee.