EFL stadium left vandalised as shocking pictures emerge after ground hosted European clash
AN EFL stadium was left vandalised after hosting a European clash on Thursday.
The Croud Meadow has been the home of League One outfit Shrewsbury Town since 2007.
Seating 9,875 fans at a time, it has also become a temporary base for Welsh side TNS (The New Saints).
The Cymru Premier champs usually play at their Park Hall stadium in Oswestry.
But it does not meet Uefa regulations, forcing them to host their Europa Conference League home fixtures at Croud Meadow.
TNS’ latest continental clash saw them host Swedish side Djurgarden on Thursday.
Nearly 2,000 Scandinavian supporters turned up for the match, which their side won 1-0.
However, Shrewsbury Town have since revealed that travelling fans vandalised Croud Meadow in disgraceful scenes.
“Substantial damage” was caused to various parts of the ground, with over two dozen seats ripped out from the West Stand.
Lighting, tables and chairs were also vandalised in both Smithy’s Bar and the Fanzone.
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And various bits of graffiti also covered the three areas.
Shrewsbury say they are now talking with Djurgarden to “repair the damage.”
But it is unlikely to be sorted in time for Wednesday’s League One clash against Blackpool.
A statement read: “Shrewsbury Town are angry and saddened to report the Croud Meadow has been left vandalised by Djurgarden supporters.
“As a club, we took the decision to host TNS and their Europa Conference League matches in our home to boost tourism in the county and bring European football to Shropshire.
“However, we have been left dismayed by supporters of Djurgarden after they caused widespread damage last night.
“More than two dozen seats have been ripped out of the West Stand. There has also been substantial damage to lighting, tables and chairs in Smithy’s Bar and in the FanZone.
“Alongside destroying property, Djurgarden fans also took it on themselves to cover all three areas in graffiti.
“We have spoken to Djurgarden as we continue to assess the damage and are working with them to repair the damage – however this work may not be done in time for our next fixture against Blackpool on Wednesday
“As a club we would like to stress this vandalism is nothing to do with TNS – with the damage clearly caused by Djurgarden supporters.”