Djurgarden fans leave Shrewsbury Town ground vandalised after European clash

The Croud Meadow has played host to the Saints' European fixtures after they qualified for the Conference League group phase.

The second home clash saw Swedish side Djurgarden head to Shropshire with a 2,000 strong following from Sweden.

The fans had largely been praised for the atmosphere they brought to Shropshire - but Salop have condemned the Swedish fans in a statement published on Friday.

They have explained how the fans ripped out seats, and have left substantial damage in Smithy's Bar and the Fan Zone, where fans can go for a drink before games.

And they have posted a number of pictures of significant graffiti in the West Stand where the Swedish fans were housed.

The club have spoken to Djugarden officials and have said the work to rectify the damage may not be done in time for Shrewsbury's clash with Blackpool on Wednesday.

In a statement, the club said: "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."