DUMBARTON have banned ALL under-16s from attending matches at their stadium for the rest of the season and blamed a specific group of young supporters for engaging in “behaviour detrimental to the reputation of the club.”
The decision comes in the wake of ugly scenes during the team’s game against Montrose on Saturday.
Dumbarton have taken the decision to ban youths from attending matches[/caption]
Those under 16 will only be allowed in the ground if accompanied by an adult[/caption]
A small so-called ultras group set off flares both outside and inside the ground during the match, forcing some supporters to require medical attention for breathing problems.
Dumbarton had previously warned the group over their conduct and following their pyro actions at the weekend, several of them were held inside the club’s hospitality suite and ordered to wait there until parents or guardians had arrived to take them home.
The League One club have now taken the drastic measure of banning all under-16s from going to games at the Marbill Coaches Stadium unless they are accompanied by an adult.
The restrictions will apply to both home AND away supporters.
The Sons’ board will review the decision at the end of the current season.
A statement from the club read: “Dumbarton Football Club are disappointed to note that despite previous warnings regarding anti-social behaviour and the use of pyrotechnics, a small element of our support has chosen to ignore these culminating in several pyros being sent off inside and outside the ground at the match against Montrose on Saturday.
“Furthermore, we are aware that they were involved with anti-social behaviour in the town centre before the match.
“A number of fans responsible for the incident were moved to the Community Suite awaiting arrival of guardians and police, and at the same time we witnessed several fans leaving and some having medical attention for respiratory problems.
“The club over many years has engaged in regular conversations and meetings with this group but apparently they have confused this as permission to pursue and develop their group further. Unfortunately their behaviour has now become detrimental to the reputation of the club.
“As a result of the anti-social behaviour witnessed on Saturday, the club has made the decision that, for the remainder of the season, all under-16’s will not be permitted entry to the stadium unless they are accompanied by a relative/carer who is 18 or over and will be responsible for their behaviour whilst on the premises. This applies for both home and away supporters.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may present to the majority of our supporters, but hopefully you will recognise why such a decision is required.
“The club will also be reviewing the situation and decide if this measure will continue next season or if a fairer system could be introduced for any under-16 season ticket holders.”
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