Cheltenham Town FC

 

The pair have been sent letters informing them that they will be excluded from attending matches at the Abbey Business Stadium on an indefinite basis. Their details will also be passed to other clubs with a request to exclude them from away matches.

 

"Banning people from the ground is a rarity for us but in this case we feel it is the only course of action," said club chairman Paul Baker.

 

"Cheltenham Town is a family club with a reputation for welcoming every section of society to our matches. Repeated anti-social behaviour at home and away matches cannot be tolerated.

 

"I regularly sit in the stands with our supporters at away games and I know that many are fed up with the behaviour of a small number of people. The club is working harder than ever to attract more support and we want to welcome people to watch and enjoy the football in the best of atmospheres."

 

Meanwhile, both the club and Gloucestershire Police have issued a warning to supporters regarding public order offences under the Football Spectators Act and other legislation.

 

For example, it is illegal to enter the field of play at any time, to light smoke bombs or other pyrotechnic devices and to use obscene language or gestures. Anyone caught doing so is liable to face arrest and conviction. A copy of the standard Football League Ground Regulations, which provide a useful guide to the do's and don'ts of attending football in the UK, are available to view here.

 

"We have an excellent relationship with Gloucestershire Police and work very closely with them," said Paul.

 

"We will work together to deal with anyone breaking the law or preventing others from enjoying the football.

 

“Ultimately we want people to come along and support the team and we want people to give vocal support to the team. However, we have to be careful to ensure that behaviour inside the ground remains within the law and within the bounds of what is acceptable to the overwhelming majority of our supporters,” he added.