Monday 19 January 2015 11:51, UK
Derby chief executive Sam Rush has called for fans to support the club “in the right way” following several unsavoury incidents after Saturday’s defeat to Nottingham Forest.
County are facing an FA investigation after a supporter ran onto the pitch and threw punches at Forest’s Kelvin Wilson while Forest Chairman Fawaz Al-Hasawi had his car vandalised outside Pride Park.
A 23-year-old from Derby has been arrested in connection with the former incident and Rush has issued a statement apologising for the actions of “those individuals who mistakenly call themselves Rams fans”.
The statement read: “It is just over two years since I joined Derby County and I am proud of the progress that we have made during this time.
“We have been recognised both locally and nationally for the achievements of the club both on and off the pitch. It is truly an exciting time to be associated with the Rams as we continue to build a unique club based on strong principles. We are aiming to be successful but we will do it the right way and act with class at all times.
“At the heart of the success of the Club is our connection with supporters. We have just registered the highest Football League attendance of the year and our average attendance at nearly 29,000 is some way above our nearest competitor. We are rightly proud of the scale, loyalty and the passion of our fans.
The events which unfolded, following our disappointing result against our local rivals on Saturday, have brought shame on our club.
“Our success is very much influenced by our style. Creating an environment which attracts good players, staff and fans is critical. How we conduct ourselves, both on and off the pitch, has a direct bearing on this. The events which unfolded, following our disappointing result against our local rivals on Saturday, have brought shame on our club. Even the Derby Telegraph, carried on Monday morning the title “Disgraceful”.
“I know that the vast majority of Derby fans are equally appalled by the callous act of a thoughtless individual seeking to attack a player on the pitch and similarly those who chose to vandalise the Forest Chairman’s car after the match. We can only apologise for those individuals who mistakenly call themselves Rams fans. To these people Derby County Football Club will not tolerate this type of behaviour, under any circumstances. We will seek to permanently exclude from our club anyone who thinks this is even close to acceptable.
“We are fortunate to have a strong ownership group that cares passionately about Derby County Football Club. We have stability that the vast majority of football clubs crave. In recent times new investment has resulted in Derby competing ever more successfully for top players and further improvement to already high class facilities.
“Please support Derby County in the right way. Uphold the right traditions and let's work together as we build a community club that acts in the Derby way.”
