Thousands of pounds worth of damage caused to the Glyndŵr University Racecourse Stadium by a minority of Chester fans has played a part in both derby fixtures being designated as “bubble matches” for the third season running.
It means fans will once again have to travel across the border on officially organised coaches if they want to cheer their team on when the two rivals clash next season.
The last meeting between the sides – at the Racecourse back in March during the 2014/15 campaign – saw a small number of away fans housed in the Glyndŵr University Stand break rows of seats and damage the toilets.
A joint statement released by both clubs, along with North Wales Police and Cheshire Police, said last season’s vandalism “continues to highlight issues of concern” and have a “direct bearing” on the transport arrangements being imposed on the derby fixtures.
It also revealed that both club’s clashes with Merseyside rivals Tranmere Rovers, who were relegated from League Two last season, will not be “bubble matches” as there is not the “same level of historical public disorder” in these fixtures.
The statement reads: “All parties are committed to working towards returning these fixtures to ‘normality’ with standard kick-off times and as a result it has been agreed that these fixtures will both take place on the dates already set and will have 2pm kick-off times.
“The main driving factors in the implementation of these conditions remains to be – reducing the potential for disorder, the safety of fans, residents and visitors to Wrexham and Chester, and minimal disruption to businesses and local communities.
“During the last two seasons whilst these conditions have been in place, both forces have seen a decline in the number of persons arrested at the fixtures and there has been a noticeable absence of any disorder or disruption to the communities outside of the two stadiums.
“However, at the more recent fixture at Wrexham, damage was caused to seating in the Racecourse Ground by a small minority of Chester supporters.
“As a result of a very positive and ongoing relationship between the clubs, Chester FC have agreed to reimburse Glyndŵr University for the damage caused.
“Unfortunately, the actions of these few supporters continues to highlight issues of concern, which have a potential to impact upon the safety of other supporters and the wider general public.
“These actions also have a direct bearing on the implementation of the transport arrangements surrounding these fixtures.”
If both this coming season’s fixtures pass without any incidents of disorder or vandalism, that will support the consideration to axe the “bubble match” restrictions in the future, according to the statement.
Ticket arrangements for Wrexham FC’s trip to Chester’s Lookers Vauxhall Stadium on October 3 will be released in due course.
