Motherwell ban fan for throwing object at James Tavernier

Motherwell have banned a supporter responsible for hurling an object at Rangers captain James Tavernier in the Ladbrokes Premiership game on Sunday.

Referee Nick Walsh was forced to temporarily halt play during Gers' 3-0 Fir Park win near the end of the first half when a cigarette lighter and a pie were aimed at the Gers skipper.

Well chiefs say they have been able to identify one of the culprits after studying CCTV footage and have issued an indefinite ban.

The Steelmen say they are continuing to investigate a second individual who they believe also threw an object onto the pitch and plan to issue another suspension order as soon as possible.

Motherwell chairman Jim McMahon said: We condemn the irresponsible actions of two of our fans, whose moment of recklessness has cast an unfortunate shadow over our whole support.

It gives us absolutely no pleasure or satisfaction to ban anyone from Fir Park.

As a fan-owned and fan-run club, we have tried to campaign for the rights of supporters. We have been vocal in our opposition to any suggestion or notion of strict liability.

However, with that comes a responsibility to act if any of our own step out of line, particularly if we have such clear and obvious evidence.

I am sure our supporters understand that we are left with no other option but to take a hard line approach with not only these two individuals but anyone else who steps out of line.'

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