‘Angry and saddened’ – EFL club dismayed as stadium trashed by European fans with seats ripped out, lights damaged and graffiti everywhere

Chris

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Shrewsbury showed the damage in the halls

Shrewsbury Town were left “angry and sad” after their stadium was badly damaged by Djurgarden fans.

Two dozen seats were torn out and lighting, tables and chairs in the bar and fan zone were significantly damaged.

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Shrewsbury showed the damage in the halls

The football League One club stepped in to provide a stadium for the Welsh team The New Saints Campaign.

This is because their own stadium, Park Hall, meets UEFA regulations to host qualifying matches, but not matches in the main draw of European competitions.

The stadium is a 31-minute drive from Croud Meadow Stadium in Shrewsbury.

The Oswestry-based Saints hosted Djurgarden, a Swedish top flight team with a history of rowdy fans.

Just last month, the Stockholm derby against Hammarby was interrupted when police withdrew permission for the game after Djurgarden fans threw fireworks.

A behavior that also affected England, although the Swedish team beat the New Saints 1-0.

Shrewsbury released a statement after the game. It said: “Shrewsbury Town is angry and saddened that Croud Meadow has been destroyed by Djurgarden supporters.”

“As a club we have taken the decision to host TNS and their Europa Conference League games at our home to boost tourism in the county and bring European football to Shropshire.

“However, we were dismayed by the followers of Djurgarden after they caused great damage.

“More than two dozen seats were ripped out of the West Stand. There was also significant damage to lighting, tables and chairs in Smithy's Bar and the FanZone.

Graffiti covered the entire stadium, forcing the club to make a statement

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Graffiti covered the entire stadium, forcing the club to make a statement
The work will not be completed in time for the next game

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The work will not be completed in time for the next game

“Apart from destroying property, Djurgarden fans have also taken to covering all three areas with graffiti.

“This story above only includes a few pictures of the damage.

“We have spoken to Djurgarden as we continue to assess the damage and are working with them to repair the damage – however this work may not be completed in time for our next game against Blackpool on Wednesday.”

“As a club we would like to emphasize that this vandalism has nothing to do with TNS – the damage was clearly caused by Djurgarden fans.”

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