Residents living near a well-known Premier League stadium have spoken out about their concerns regarding the behavior of fans from one of the league's biggest clubs. The stadium in question has recently undergone a £10m transformation and is now back in top-flight football after a three-decade absence. However, as Luton Town prepares for their upcoming game against West Ham, locals have shared their anxieties about the away fans they dread encountering.
"Hammering Down Fences" – Memories of Past Disruptions
John Wilson, a Luton season-ticket holder, revealed his experiences with rowdy fans, particularly those from London teams. Speaking to The Athletic, he recalled instances of brand new fences being torn down by 30 to 40 fans. John also recounted a time when he had to protect his friends from unruly Millwall fans who vandalized the stadium. The memories of violence and disruption from the past still linger, causing concern for the upcoming matches.
Resident Accounts of Matchday Issues
The Athletic also spoke with other residents living near the stadium about the challenges they face on match days. Faisal Mohammed, a local resident for the past seven years, mentioned the heavy police presence and how it can sometimes feel intrusive. He also highlighted the problem of blocked roads due to the influx of away supporters' coaches. However, Faisal also acknowledged the security provided by the police presence, ensuring that trouble is kept at bay.
Mokbol Hossain, another resident, expressed his satisfaction with the sense of community in the area but mentioned the inconvenience of having to move his car and deal with a dirty street on match days. Similarly, Kal Patel emphasized the disruptive nature of matchday traffic and the inconvenience it causes for residents who need to commute for work. Despite the conveniences of living near the stadium, Kal admitted that given the opportunity, he would consider moving due to the clashes between home and away fans.
A New Chapter for Luton Town
Luton Town has endured its fair share of ups and downs throughout its history. Currently back in the top flight after 30 years, the club is planning to leave the current stadium, Kenilworth Road, and construct a new 20,000-seater stadium at Power Court in the town center by the 2026-27 season. This relocation may alleviate some of the concerns expressed by nearby residents regarding disruption caused by matchday activities.
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