From now on, the Carole club has decided to ban the use of smoke bombs at Mambourg, but has also imposed a stadium ban until the end of the season on several members of the “Storm Ultras 2001” and “Block 22”, of the two groups of supporters at the origin of the incidents.
“Following several days of consultation between the Club, the City of Charleroi, fan coaching, security managers and the Police services to clarify the events that occurred during the Charleroi-Union meeting on January 11, the Club wishes present the measures that have been taken. The situation seems much more serious to us than some have suggested. After several unfortunate incidents that occurred at the Stade du Pays de Charleroi in recent seasons, it became evident that certain groups of supporters took hostage not only the T4 stand, but also the entire stadium, its supporters, as well as the Club and the City of Charleroi. More generally, we strongly condemn the systematic use of threats and intimidation, as well as non-compliance with the instructions and rules in force. We also deplore the use of force, the non-compliance with agreements made during security meetings, the constant disinformation, and finally, the abusive and unsupervised use of pyrotechnic devices, even though they are prohibited. With regard to these latter practices (in particular the use of smoke bombs), they cause material damage, but also seriously endanger the physical integrity of our caring supporters, while systematically generating considerable financial fines for the club. As such, the bill per season reaches almost 100,000 euros. More importantly, the negative image reflected by this behavior, both of Sporting and of the City of Charleroi, has become intolerable and cannot remain unanswered. All the stakeholders mentioned above agree that we have reached a point of no return and that it is now imperative to apply exemplary sanctions. From now on, a zero tolerance policy will be in place. From now on, the Club will no longer accept any uncontrolled use of smoke bombs in the stadium, nor any overflow. Sporting de Charleroi has however, and on several occasions, expressed its desire to authorize the supervised use of pyrotechnic devices, in consultation with the competent authorities and under the supervision of professionals. However, in the absence of these strict conditions, the Club will no longer accept smoke bombs on its premises and will take firm measures against any infringement in this regard. Also, in full agreement with the authorities, it was decided to impose a stadium ban until the end of the season on certain supporters who are members of the “Storm Ultras 2001” and “Block 22” identified during the Charleroi meeting. -Union, due to their active involvement in the various incidents that have occurred in recent times. The main parties concerned will be officially informed as soon as possible. Sporting reaffirms its determination to protect the T4 stand, the other groups of supporters and all the stands of the stadium, who are only spectators and collateral victims of these acts detrimental to the team, the club and the image of Charleroi,” announced the management of number 22 in a press release.
