The latest meeting of Lincoln City’s Fans Advisory Board, held before the home fixture with Exeter City, centred on the impact of recent incidents of discriminatory chanting and anti-social behaviour on the matchday experience.
Representatives from Chelsea Pride, Chelsea, and a Lincoln family directly affected by the events attended to share their experiences, describing the distress and embarrassment caused to both sets of supporters.
During the fixture with Chelsea, an announcement went out warning supporters against discriminatory chanting. It appears up to 30 Imps fans have now been identified, and will be dealt with in due course.
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Discriminatory Chanting Discussed in Detail
Fan Advisory Board members heard first-hand how the chanting had affected visiting supporters and fellow Imps fans. The club was praised for its swift and proactive response in the days that followed, while the board reaffirmed its commitment to helping eliminate all forms of discrimination.
It was confirmed that the incidents are being treated as hate crimes, with approximately 30 individuals identified via CCTV. Police investigations and club disciplinary processes are continuing, and some cases are expected to result in criminal charges.
The Fans Advisory Board (FAB) will write formally to Chelsea to apologise on behalf of Lincoln City supporters. Education and clear communication were highlighted as priorities, with plans to improve awareness of the Safe Text reporting line to ensure it is more visible and accessible.
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Both the club and FAB agreed to continue working with supporter groups to promote positive matchday messaging and challenge unacceptable behaviour. While FA sanctions are anticipated, the club intends to present mitigating evidence reflecting its prompt and transparent handling of the situation.
Anti-Social Behaviour and Matchday Safety
The discussion broadened to wider anti-social behaviour, particularly the use of smoke bombs and flares. A Lincoln City-supporting family joined the meeting to explain how smoke had negatively affected their experience, reinforcing the human impact behind such actions.
The 617 Squadron representative, Nick Proctor, reiterated their stance against in-ground pyrotechnics and offered to continue educating younger fans on safe and responsible support. Club officials confirmed that work with both the EFL and local police is ongoing to ensure compliance and to protect all supporters.
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Additional safety measures have already been implemented in the north-west corner of Sincil Bank, including new barriers, clearer signage, and extra stewarding following recent crowd management issues. FAB members recognised the cost and complexity of these steps but unanimously supported prioritising safety.
Inconsistent stewarding standards at some away grounds were also raised as a continuing frustration for travelling supporters, and this feedback will be shared with relevant authorities.
Full minutes can be found here