Now vandals turn to arson

Police are investigating a blaze at Yarnton Road last week after petrol was poured over part of the stand, pictured, at around 9pm and set alight.

Thanks to quick-thinking nearby resident who spotted flames shooting out of the stand, pictured, the emergency services were called and brought the blaze under control. By then at least one seat at the center of the fire had been reduced to a pool of sticky liquid after being ripped out and dragged away by firefighters.

The Greens, playing at the highest level in their history this season after winning promotion to the EVO-STIK League Southern's Division One Central as as Hellenic League champions, have endured a decade of ‘soul destroying’ vandalism, the latest incident coming after £27,500 was raised to add 50 new seats to the stand.

Vandals have left the club's officials to fork out for an estimated £2,000 worth of damage in recent years even before last Tuesday night's attack, regularly scrawling offensive graffiti, smashing up lights, windows and other fittings and equipment around their home.

Kidlington secretary, trustee and former player David Platt told the oxfordtimes.co.uk: “For a decade we have suffered. This time they poured petrol over, destroyed the whole seat and ran off. We are continually frustrated. As a football club we can’t do any more.

"Last year we reached an elevated level of football on the brink of professional playing. It is so soul destroying with all the effort and time that goes into that. You see improvements and it’s so upsetting when some idiots come and smash them.”

Image courtesy of Kidlington Old Boys

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