Following Saturday’s game with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, the club has received a number of complaints from supporters regarding the use of abusive language by fellow travelling supporters.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time this season that we have received complaints relating to supporter behaviour, both at home and away matches, and we feel it is important to address this directly.

We recognise that football is an emotional sport. Passion, frustration and the desire to see the team succeed are all part of being a supporter, and we will always welcome a vocal and passionate backing of our players, both home and away.

However, there is a clear distinction between showing passion and directing abusive or threatening behaviour towards others. That distinction must be respected.

We are particularly concerned when our own supporters tell us that the behaviour of a minority is making them uncomfortable, requesting to move their seat at home matches or, worse still, making them consider whether they want to continue attending matches. This is especially concerning when families and younger supporters are affected.

Livingston FC has always prided itself on being a community club. We want everyone who comes through our gates, or travels to support the team, to feel welcome, safe and able to enjoy the experience.

That responsibility extends to everyone involved in a matchday, including opposition supporters, players, match officials and, importantly, our own staff.

We want to be absolutely clear on this point. Every member of Livingston FC staff, regardless of their role or position within the club, is entitled to carry out their work without being subjected to abuse, intimidation or threatening behaviour.

Our employees are at their place of work, and as an employer we have a duty of care to protect their wellbeing and ensure they can do their jobs in a safe and respectful environment. We will not tolerate any of our staff being abused, whether at home or away, and we will support any member of staff who finds themselves in that position.

We will also make other clubs aware that they will have the full backing of Livingston FC in taking appropriate action where any of our supporters are found to be behaving unacceptably at their grounds.

We would ask all supporters to consider the impact their behaviour can have on those around them. Anyone engaging in unacceptable behaviour risks being removed from the ground and potentially facing a ban from attending future matches at the Home of the Set Fare Arena.

We need everyone pulling in the same direction. Our supporters play a hugely important role in creating the atmosphere our players thrive on, and we want that passion and backing to remain a positive part of what makes Livingston FC special.

We will always encourage supporters to get behind the team, express their emotions and enjoy following their club. But that must never come at the expense of another person’s right to feel safe and respected.

As a club, we remain committed to upholding strong standards of conduct and protecting the values that define who we are. We ask all our supporters to stand with us in reinforcing those principles as we move forward together.

Thank you for your continued support.

Calvin Ford
Chairman.

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