credit Graham Burrell
Lincoln City chief executive Liam Scully has written to supporters following an £8,500 FA fine and a warning over future conduct.
The club were punished for “failing to control supporters” during the final home game of last season against Wrexham and are also in ongoing dialogue with the FA over alleged behaviour during September’s Carabao Cup tie with Chelsea.
FA Sanction and Action Plan
In his letter, Scully confirmed that two proven instances of discriminatory chanting at the Wrexham match had been cited by the Football Association, resulting in a fine and an accompanying Action Plan that the club must now follow throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
Failure to meet those requirements could lead to “additional sanctions”, and Scully was frank in accepting responsibility on behalf of the club.
“We accept the charge, recognise our responsibility, and remain firmly committed to eradicating negative behaviour through a combination of education and sanctions,” he wrote.
“We believe these approaches can work together to bring about the positive change we all desire.”
The tone was determined — a call for shared ownership between club and supporters to ensure that isolated incidents do not define Lincoln City or its fanbase.
Wider Behavioural Concerns
Scully also highlighted what he described as “increasing levels of antagonistic and, at times, anti-social behaviour” at games, both home and away. The comments were not limited to the two cited incidents but extended to the broader matchday environment.
“We have had repeated instances where supporters have left games due to smoke inhalation from smoke bombs and cases of stewarding staff being attacked,” he explained, stressing the impact that a minority can have on the wider fan experience.
For a club that has worked hard to build a reputation for inclusivity and family-friendly support, the message was clear: that the atmosphere must remain passionate but respectful, and that pride in being an Imp must also mean pride in how we conduct ourselves.
Potential Measures and Financial Consequences
Among the possible measures being considered are stricter away ticket controls, partial closure of sections of the GBM Stand, and increased operational costs for CCTV, barriers, stewards, and safety staff.
Scully underlined that the financial burden from fines and additional safety requirements cannot simply be absorbed.
“Ultimately, these fines, the additional operating costs, and any lost revenue must be funded, and that can only be achieved by reducing expenditure elsewhere within the club,” he said, adding that the financial implications of supporter behaviour were now “real and damaging”.
Balancing Passion and Respect
Despite the serious tone, Scully was careful to acknowledge what Lincoln supporters bring to the club. He made it clear that the aim is not to dampen the spirit that makes Sincil Bank one of the most vibrant atmospheres in League One.
“We do not wish to sterilise the phenomenal atmosphere that our supporters create at home and away,” he said.
“We encourage passion and energy, but we must be clear that these positive qualities are not incompatible with respect and inclusivity.”
The statement reflects the balance the club is trying to strike — protecting the team’s unique matchday feel while ensuring safety, respect, and compliance with governing body regulations.
Next Steps and Supporter Dialogue
The club will now host an online forum at 7 pm on Wednesday, 19 November, providing a platform for supporters to discuss the issues raised and explore “constructive solutions together”. Fans wishing to participate can register by emailing feedback@theredimps.com.
Scully’s closing note was a reminder of the values that have long underpinned the club’s modern identity — unity, respect, and a shared sense of pride.
“It is vital we continue to work together to create a safe, inclusive, and positive matchday atmosphere that inspires our team and makes everyone proud to be part of Lincoln City,” he concluded, signing off with the familiar rallying cry: #ImpsAsOne.
Stacey West Opinion
I think I speak for all of the team when I say I echo Liam’s comments. The issue here is not ‘woke madness’ or whatever else people will use to justify acting in a way that the club gets into trouble for. It’s not sanitising the atmosphere, nor should it be a case of ‘whataboutery’ – ‘but what about this club or that chant’ is another popular defence.
I love the European football vibe, the Legia Warsaw, the pyro in the Allsvenskan and other places. That’s there, and this is here, and right now the club are being fined. We all want to see a vibrant Sincil Bank, but we want to see a successful and celebrated club. We want the next generation of fans to come through feeling safe and secure at the game, not staying away as in the eighties.
Back in the day, I took part in discriminatory chanting, misogynistic chanting and on occasion, what I now understand to be racist chanting. I hold my hands up, I was perhaps a typical fan born of the eighties and early nineties, and I never really thought of it as that. I wasn’t racist, never have been, but singing songs about the French? I thought it was just part and parcel of the game, but it is not, certainly not any more.
I really hope the club do not have to take steps as outlined in Liam’s letter, it would be a sad day for the club.
Like this:
Loading…
Related
