Non league football club start fundraiser after pitch "severely damaged" by cars after hearse incident

Jason Button
By Jason Button
Published 23rd Jul 2023, 14:42 BST
Updated 23rd Jul 2023, 14:58 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
The club are hoping to raise money to repair the pitch ahead of the new season.

The host club of a football match which was cancelled at half time after two cars including a hearse were driven onto the pitch has started a crowdfunding campaign to help repair their pitch ahead of the new season.

Dunton UTS’ pre season fixture at home to Gateshead on Friday, July 21 was cancelled at half time after two vehicles entered the pitch, damaging the playing surface in the process.

Four men have been arrested following the incident.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
The Dunston UTS v Gateshead pre season football match was cancelled in chaos as a hearse and car invaded the pitch.The Dunston UTS v Gateshead pre season football match was cancelled in chaos as a hearse and car invaded the pitch.
The Dunston UTS v Gateshead pre season football match was cancelled in chaos as a hearse and car invaded the pitch.

The Gateshead based club, who are preparing for a season in the Northern Premier League Division One East, have set a £10,000 target to raise and at the time of writing have seen over £2,000 donated.

Read Newcastle's news on the go with our free email newsletters - bringing the headlines to your inbox. Catch up on the day's news and sport and enjoy even more from the NewcastleWorld team. Visit our website here to find out more and sign up.

The campaign description reads: “On Friday the 21st June at approximately 8:20pm a serious incident occurred at the UTS stadium in a pre season game between Dunston vs Gateshead. A large crowd of approximately 400- 500 people including families with young children were in attendance, fortunately no one was hurt or injured during the incident.

"However, after tireless hard work and efforts from the Dunston’s groundsman and staff improving the pitch and facilities for the forthcoming 23/24 season, the new pitch was severely damaged along with fencing surrounding the pitch and car park gates leading into the ground.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Dunston football club is a family oriented club, as players we are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred during the game. With the new 23/24 season starting in just under 3 weeks today; as players of Dunston we want to support and raise money for the vital work on and around the pitch for our club that is now required, to be ready for our first home game on the 12th August.

"Any donations or support to our club would be greatly appreciated

“Thank you from the Dunston Squad.”

The crowdfunder can be found through this link.