Police investigate incidents at Tranmere game
It's understood that four people were involved in throwing things onto the pitch during the match
Tranmere Rovers have reported two people to police, after their game against Forest Green Rovers at the weekend was disrupted by people throwing things onto the pitch, including a flare.
Tranmere Chairman Mark Palios said:
"We were very pleased to have a magnificent turn out of supporters for our game against Forest Green. Unfortunately, of the 11,000 in attendance, 4 individuals were involved in incidents which disrupted the game, throwing items, including a flare, onto the pitch.
"We take a zero tolerance approach to these incidents. Tranmere is a family club and we want all spectators to be able to enjoy a game without it being spoiled by the actions of a mindless minority. Two of the four involved yesterday have already been identified and will be dealt with by the police, with the Club’s full support. The other 2 are in the process of being identified through the extensive CCTV footage that we have and we are confident that they will also be brought to account for their actions.
"I want to be very clear that any person encroaching on the pitch, throwing items on the pitch or doing anything to endanger supporters will be issued with an automatic stadium ban, quite apart from any criminal sanctions that the police may invoke. Where the person involved is a child, the accompanying adult will also be issued with a ban.
"Earlier in the season a person invaded the pitch. He was apprehended, successfully prosecuted and now has both a criminal record and a 3 year football banning order.
"The chances of getting away with this type of behaviour are very slim due the the extensive CCTV footage we have at all matches. However, every supporter can also play a part in helping us eradicate the scourge of hooliganism, by assisting with any investigations. We would ask anyone who has any information regarding yesterday’s events to contact the club using the tellus@tranmererovers.co.uk e mail address.
"Unfortunately, as the EFL has acknowledged, football has seen an increase in bad behaviour this season across the whole pyramid. We want to stamp it out at Tranmere and we hope that every supporter who simply wants to come and watch the game without disruption will help us do that."