Bristol Rovers hit with blow ahead of the start of the new season

The Memorial Ground will have a reduced capacity for Bristol Rovers’ first two games of the new season.

Following a recent meeting of the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) and the local authorities, the club has announced that Thatchers Terrace will have fewer spectators as a punishment for crowd behaviour in matches against Forest Green Rovers and Scunthorpe United in the last campaign.

That means that in games against Forest Green and Oxford United next term there will be fewer fans in the ground.

Bristol Rovers’ official club statement mentions that some people with tickets for the Thatchers Terrace will be moved to other parts of the ground. It has been reported by Bristol Live that the number will be about 300.

What has been said?

Bristol Rovers CEO Tom Gorringe said:

“The safety of our supporters is our first priority and we are working with the Safety Advisory Group to demonstrate that we can meet their criteria to increase the capacity of the stadium back to its normal levels as soon as possible.

“In order to have these sanctions lifted, the club is relying on all fans inside the stadium to abide by our regulations, with a particular focus on keeping the stairways clear. If we can show an exemplary demonstration of this for the first two home games, then the club has every right to seek a return to full capacity for the remainder of the season.”

League One on the horizon

The Pirates have been busy preparing for life in League One following their promotion from League Two.

Joey Barton’s side have been in pre-season action over recent times and have brought in new signings like Jon Marquis, James Gibbons, Jordan Rossiter and James Connolly to bolster their ranks.

The Gas play Championship side Stoke City tomorrow night as they carry on their run of friendlies.

Their first game of the 2022/23 season is a home to fellow promoted side Forest Green, but there won’t be as many fans in as they would’ve been.