OFFICIALS at a football club have slammed the actions of vandals who have repeatedly targeted their ground with graffiti.

Saltdean United FC has said it is “disappointed” after the stands and dug-outs at Hill Park were sprayed with vulgar graffiti on Monday, February 1.

The club said it has CCTV footage that shows two people entering the area at 6.06pm and then leaving around two-and-a-half hours later.

The Argus: Saltdean United FC has been targeted with explicit graffiti Saltdean United FC has been targeted with explicit graffiti

Brighton and Hove Police carried out an evening patrol of the club on Wednesday February, 11 in the aftermath of the criminal damage.

The vandalism has left the players, staff and volunteers angry and saddened at the lack of respect for its facilities, particularly as the club is struggling to deal with the financial implications of coronavirus.

Club secretary Kate Brown said: "At the moment we are not playing any football at the club or training due to Government restrictions - the club therefore, like so many others, has no income at this time.

The Argus: Saltdean FC said it is not the first time their ground has been targeted Saltdean FC said it is not the first time their ground has been targeted

“To discover people have come to our ground to deface it and create yet more work for our volunteers is particularly hard to take.

“Luckily, we have an amazing community who have already rallied round to offer help to wash off and paint over the damage, and we have also had offers of paint from local companies too, for which we are very grateful.”

The club said it is not the first time it has been the target of vandalism.

In August last year, prior to one of the first team’s opening fixtures, a vehicle was driven across the pitch and the locks used to secure the goals on both the top pitch and the main pitch had been glued.

Club chairman, Kevin Ratcliffe, said the vandalism puts extra strain on volunteers who dedicate more than 100 hours per week to the running of the club.

He said: "It’s unfortunate that these people feel the need to vandalise the club facilities that are provided for these of the local community and especially local children, resulting in more work for our volunteers.”

The men’s first team enjoyed a strong start to the 2020/21 season in the Southern Combination Football League Premier Division and the women’s team has continued to strengthen.

Their respective managers said they do not want the “mindless vandalism” to break the club’s spirit.

Bryan O’Toole, first team manager, said: "I'm really disappointed to see this - everyone is feeling frustrated by this lockdown, but there is really no need for acts of vandalism.

“Our club works hard engaging with local young people both in football and the youth club run from our premises.

“If anyone has seen any suspicious behaviour in and around the stands at the club, we would like to hear from you."

Joe McTiffen, women’s first team manager, said: "It is such a shame that a small minority want to vandalise a club that is there to support the community and offer football to all ages for boys and girls.

“It has been great to see the response from many local residents who also helped us at our club clear up day back in June. It's frustrating as volunteers but important we do not let them win.”

Sussex Police said the cost of the damage has been estimated at about £500.

A spokeswoman said: “Police received a report of criminal damage to the dug out area and the stand at Saltdean Football Club in Coombe Vale, Saltdean, which had happened on February 1.

“Spray paint had been daubed on the areas at around 6.05pm causing about £500 worth of damage.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to report online or ring 101 quoting serial 404 of 10/02.”