Four bans issued after abuse hurled at opposition goalkeeper at Carlisle match
It happened on New Year's Day
Carlisle United say they've issued four interim bans to children following abuse directed at an opposition goalkeeper on New Year's Day.
Connor Ripley, from Port Vale, reported being targeted during the match at Brunton Park.
The children, all aged under 16, are now engaged in the club’s Supporter Sanctioning process and the club are working with them and their parents and police to deal with them.
Chief executive Nigel Clibbens said:
“We have had a disappointingly high number of fan behaviour issues this season and these need to stop. Too often we are faced with incidents which are damaging the reputation of the club and fans.
"As well as four bans arising from the incident at the Port Vale game, we had another juvenile caught attempting to bring a flare into the Charlton game for example. We recognise the stewarding response needs to be better too and steps are being taken to make sure that area is improved.
“We will be increasing searching, ticket checks and CCTV coverage on Saturday and for the rest of the season. Stewarding will increase yet again at further increased cost. Fans need to allow more time to get through the turnstiles.
“We are also now reconsidering the appropriate age that we can allow children to come into the stadium unaccompanied (currently 14) and the minimum age of those required to accompany young children.
“We are aware that these issues are from a very small minority of people and would like to thank the huge majority of fans who continue to support the club and the team in the correct way.”
Manager Paul Simpson said:
“The fans have been absolutely magnificent this season, some of the away support we’re getting is incredible and what we’ve been getting at home has been superb as well. It’s a massive help.
“The incident against Port Vale was horrible to hear about but thankfully we have systems in place which have meant the police and the club have been able to act quickly and the four people who were involved have been given interim bans while full investigations are made.
"We don’t want that, it’s not what this football club needs."