Southport FC have banned a number of fans following a fight in the stands during a pre-season friendly earlier this month.
The club has confirmed a number of supporters have been banned following their match with north west neighbours Blackpool at the Pure Stadium on Saturday, July 2. The match, which finished 2-0 to the visitors, was halted shortly after the second goal in the first half by the referee as home and away fans clashed in the stands.
The Vanarama National League North club has now confirmed that a "number of individuals" have been issued with club/stadium bans. This has come following joint work by the club and Merseyside Police, with investigations continuing into the incident.
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In a statement released by the club, it said: "Following the statement which the Club issued on 4 July arising out of inappropriate behaviour by a minority of fans during the recent pre-season friendly against Blackpool, and after consultation with Merseyside Police, the Club can confirm that it has today had cause regrettably to issue club/stadium bans to a number of individuals, their behaviour having been considered in breach of The National League’s Ground Regulations. We will continue to assist Merseyside Police in their investigations into the incident."
Chief Inspector Matthew Moscrop said at the time: "Our message to the small minority of fans intent on carrying out disorder at any match is that such behaviour is unacceptable and will simply not be tolerated. We can and do identify those responsible for such incidents and can issue a range of sanctions, including Banning Orders.
“We will be working closely with both clubs to investigate this disturbance and I want to thank the vast majority of supporters who attended the game in good spirits. I would ask anyone who witnessed anything or anyone with information to come forward and we will take appropriate action.”
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