In Plymouth, intruders break into the stadium and destroy the club’s lawn with a tractor

The intruders had a “solid knowledge” of the premises: they managed to break through the stadium fences with specific tools, before gaining access to the garage and the roof lighting control system, before committing their misdeed. In a press release published this weekend, the English club of Plymouth Argyle, which plays in League One (third division) denounced the “criminal damage” on its lawn, which was being changed.

The burglars “drove the tractor onto the pitch, which is in an early and crucial stage of renovation ahead of the 2022-23 season, leaving extensive damage. Plymouth Argyle regrets that these incidents add additional costs, which will not be invested “in the stadium, the team or the reception of match days”. It also complicates the hosting of pre-season games, in which Plymouth were to face Swansea and Bristol City, according to The Guardian.

The case was forwarded to the police, while “the video surveillance should make it possible to identify those responsible”. The League One club have indicated that a reward will be offered for those who pass on information.