Club Statement - Kent Senior Trophy Final

Punjab United Football Club wishes to formally place on record its serious concerns regarding the welfare and safety of our supporters who attended the Kent Senior Trophy Final on Sunday 19th April at Maidstone United FC.

A significant area of concern relates to the experience of our supporters, the majority of whom were families and young people.

As the match progressed, a large number of opposing supporters entered and occupied the same stand. This led to ongoing issues throughout the game, with our supporters subjected to repeated verbal abuse, including chanting of a racist nature. Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and has no place in football or in society.

Following the final whistle, the situation escalated considerably. Drinks were thrown towards the Punjab United section, where many families and children were located. This was followed by continued provocation, which developed into physical confrontations as individuals moved towards the area. Families and young supporters were unfortunately caught up in the disorder.

The situation required intervention from supporters present, who attempted to de-escalate matters and prevent further escalation.

Due to a limited security presence in the affected area, Punjab United players and coaching staff felt compelled to intervene out of concern for the safety of our supporters. This should not have been necessary, and the incident had clear potential to escalate further and result in serious harm.

As a community-focused club committed to inclusivity and accessibility within football, we feel deeply let down by the events of the day. The experience has had a significant impact on many of our supporters. Several have indicated they will not attend matches again, and a number of young fans were left visibly distressed by what they witnessed.

Punjab United will be raising these matters formally with the relevant authorities, including the Police, and we understand that a number of incidents have already been reported.

We now seek clarity from the organisers regarding the measures in place on the day and what actions will be taken in response to the incidents reported. It is vital that appropriate steps are taken to ensure the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of all supporters at future fixtures.

Football must be a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. It is essential that lessons are learned from this incident to ensure that such situations are not repeated.

Punjab United Football Club remains committed to protecting its supporters and upholding the values of respect, inclusion, and community within the game.