Club Statement | Argyle v Exeter City

The club is extremely disappointed to learn of the appalling behaviour of a small minority of supporters during the Greens’ scintillating Sky Bet League One Devon derby victory over Exeter City on Monday night.

Shortly after the fixture, club staff were made aware of footage appearing to show a small number of Argyle supporters engaging in disgusting and tasteless chants relating to former Exeter City striker Adam Stansfield.

It should go without saying, but individuals who think engaging in this behaviour is at all acceptable are entirely unwelcome at Home Park. Argyle strives to be respected, both on the field and off the field, and an inclusive club welcoming to all.

The focus should have remained solely on what a brilliant advert for the region’s professional football clubs Monday night’s fixture was. Instead, we are left having to condemn the abhorrent behaviour of individuals we would rather did not identify with our club.

We have already identified a number of supporters engaging in this activity and issued suspensions pending further investigation. In addition, Argyle will work proactively with Devon & Cornwall Police to identify further individuals involved, issuing bans to anyone we successfully identify. 

There is no place for this behaviour at Argyle, and we will continue to root it out until it is entirely eradicated.

Our sincere apologies are extended to Exeter City, and in particular, Jay Stansfield, whose on-field performance on Monday night should have been the only point of discussion.