As the new season tickets for Derry City fans begin to roll out, the club's chairman released a stark warning to some fans who have previously lit flares during home games at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
The popularity of games at Derry's Brandywell Stadium has soared over recent years.
With this, however, it seems that the club is seeking to tackle use of flares before it becomes more commonplace among some fans.
Read more: Wild Ireland documentary to come to Netflix next week
In a social media post, the statement read: "The season has begun with successfully staging and winning the President’s Cup. It is unfortunate therefore that I have to address the actions of a small number of supporters at the event who lit flares and a flag.
"The small group who persists in this behaviour congregate in the same section of the stadium. In the past, the Club has appealed to this group to stop this behaviour, pointing out the financial sanctions and the health and safety issues that arise.
"The Club has decided that this small group are beyond reasonable appeal. For a series of home matches therefore, stewards will occupy some of the seats in the part of the stadium where this behaviour occurs.
"Any person who is detected with flares or who lights flares will be removed from the stadium and will be banned for life from attending future matches.
"The flag mentioned refers to a flag that caught fire as a result of flares being lit and not about any specific flag's content."
READ NEXT:
Musician speaks on importance of 24-hour busk event in Derry
Derry man looking to end stigma around hospice use after life-changing diagnosis
Derry campaigners say potential running down of Radio Foyle "a slap in the face"
To get the latest breaking news from Co Derry straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
