Shots chief Azeem hits out

By Neil Harvey

ANGRY: Shahid Azeem

ALDERSHOT Chairman Shahid Azeem has said the club is “hanging its head in shame” due to the “mindless, destructive behaviour” of a small section of Shots fans.

The comments came after accusations that Boreham Wood goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore was subjected to verbal abuse and damage was done to the away end at Meadow Park, during The Shots’ 2-1 win at the Hertfordshire side on Tuesday evening.

As part of a statement on Aldershot’s official club website, Azeem said: Regrettably, we are having to hang our head in shame today thanks to a minority in the away end that embarrassed our club with their mindless, destructive behaviour.

“I was also informed by Boreham Wood Stewards that a number of Aldershot supporters were goading, being abusive and making remarks to Boreham Wood goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore. On behalf of the Football Club, I would like to apologise to Nathan.

“After the game I was shown around the away end by their Safety Officer and their Stewards and saw myself all along the back of goal where all the perimeters boards have been broken and smashed, including the safety gate which was pulled off its hinges.

“Although Boreham Wood are our competitors in the league, this behaviour is unacceptable and I can assure everyone that both clubs – including safety officers – are working closely together to identify those responsible and to assist in ensuring that they are punished in full for their deplorable behaviour”.

The Shots chairman has also offered to pay for any damages to the ground, explaining that such payments may have an adverse effect on the team by “ultimately taking funds away from the first-team budget.”

It was Mark Molesley’s side first league victory of the new National League season.