Exeter City Football Club has issued a strong condemnation of what it calls 'shameful behaviour' by a section of its supporters. The club confirmed incidents of misogynistic chanting, vandalism and an alleged sexual harassment following the recent Devon derby against Plymouth Argyle.

In a statement, the club said it operates a zero-tolerance policy. It confirmed three supporters were arrested during the match and that banning orders have been issued to five individuals, four of whom are under 18, prohibiting them from attending matches at St James Park.

Damage and dangerous actions

The club reported that 15 seats were damaged at Home Park and a lighter was thrown onto the pitch during the 2-0 defeat. "These are serious matters," the statement read. "Damage to stadium property carries potential costs to the Club, and objects thrown onto a pitch are a safety risk to players and officials."

It also addressed "misogynistic chanting" throughout the derby, which was broadcast live on Sky Sports. "This is shameful behaviour with no place at Exeter City Football Club or in football as a whole," the club stated. "We are a family club. Women and girls must feel safe at football matches, and this kind of chanting is a direct threat to that."

Off-pitch incident and manager's view

The statement also revealed a complaint was received regarding a "serious incident" on Old Tiverton Road last Saturday, where a woman was allegedly sexually harassed and subjected to unwanted physical contact. The club described this as a criminal offence and urged witnesses to come forward.

Manager Matt Taylor said the recent events have "left a stain on our football club." He revealed that some supporters have told him they no longer travel to away fixtures due to an "undertone of aggression and the uncomfortable feeling in the stands."

"This team needs our supporters more now than ever before and the players want everyone to come to a football ground and feel safe," Taylor said. "Exeter City FC will take any course of action necessary to eradicate the minority who are currently letting this special football club down."

Club leadership echoes stance

Club chair Wilf Walsh was unequivocal. "These are not true supporters," he said. "There is no place for these behaviours in society, and there is no place for them at Exeter City Football Club."

Peter Ferlie, chair of the Supporters' Trust, added his voice, fully supporting the club's action on the banning orders. "This type of behaviour and actions of the small minority has no place at Exeter City," he said.

The club also highlighted its updated ground regulations for the 2026-27 season, which state any person under 14 must be accompanied by someone over 18, a rule it says will be rigorously enforced. The club's full fixtures list shows the next opportunity for supporters to back the team at St James Park.