A lifelong supporter of non-league football club Epsom & Ewell FC has found a unique way to cheer on his team after being issued a lifetime stadium ban. Richard Lambert, 58, has been following the ninth-tier club for nearly 44 years but was banned in January following disputes with the club's committee. Despite the ban, Lambert has been climbing a nearby tree to watch matches, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty.

The Ban and Its Controversy

Lambert's ban stems from a series of disputes with the club's committee, particularly after he changed the name of his personal X account to resemble the official club account. The club cited this as a breach of a previous agreement regarding social media usage. Despite repeated inquiries from BBC London, the club has refused to provide further details, stating only that the ban is permanent and will not be reconsidered.

A Fan's Dedication

Lambert, who has been a club historian for 20 years and writes match reports for nearly every game, describes himself as "bitten by the football bug." He has barely missed a match since his first game in 1981. "All I want to do is see my team play," Lambert said. "But I also want to see the culture at our club change towards valuing its supporters."

The Impact of the Ban

Lifetime stadium bans are rare in football and are typically reserved for serious offenses or legal violations, neither of which apply in Lambert's case. The Football Supporters' Association has attempted to mediate but has been ignored by the club. "Richard is left on the outside looking in, and the club are missing a valuable and long-serving supporter," said Garreth Cummins from the FSA.

Climbing for the Team

Since his ban, Lambert has watched matches from just outside the stadium's perimeter fence. However, in March, the club hired a security guard to prevent him from standing there, prompting Lambert to climb a nearby tree instead. He has since found a new tree to scale for the 2025-26 season, ensuring he can continue to support his team.

The Future

Lambert remains determined to support Epsom & Ewell FC, regardless of the obstacles. "If the ban stays in place for life, then I'll be climbing this tree for the rest of my life," he said. "Or at least for as long as I'm physically able to." His dedication highlights the passion and loyalty that non-league football inspires in its fans.