KGV damage: “So much time and effort had gone into making that terrace”

Friday 02 July 2021

Money is being raised to replace several benches smashed to pieces during a screening of the England v Germany match at the KGV community centre.

Staff at the KGV have said the behavior that led to a recently opened terrace being vandalised was “unprecedented.”

Following England’s 2-0 win over Germany, a minority of supporters watching at the KGV managed to completely destroy six picnic benches, four composite decking planks, and put a hole through a sign.

“We’re obviously massively disappointed with what happened,” said staff member Debbie Hunter.

“So much time and effort had gone into making that terrace, we had lots of generous sponsors. It’s just very, very disappointing.”

Pictured: This was the first year the KGV had opened its new 'Legends' terrace up to the public. 

The KGV doesn’t have enough safety or security measures now in place for the quarter finals on Saturday when England play Ukraine for a place in the semi-finals. 

“It’s a real shame that some people have gone that little bit too far, so we can’t put on the event that we wanted to this week,” said Ms Hunter.

“This is a community centre, it’s not for profit and all the money we make goes back into the building, it’s supposed to be for everyone,” she said.

The match will still be played on Saturday, but it’ll only be accessible by people with KGV membership cards.

Pictured: Due to the damage caused, only KGV members will be able to enter the grounds this weekend. 

Despite the actions of a minority, the club has been overwhelmed with support following the incident. The decking planks have already been replaced and a JustGiving page has been set up to cover the cost of the benches.

“We’re completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of support,” said Ms Hunter, who wants to reassure fans that if England get through to the final, the public will be welcome back in for the game.

“Work is already being done to get ready for this,” she said.