Club Statement: Banning Orders

Bolton Wanderers can confirm the club has issued banning orders to 14 of its supporters due to incidents of disorder and anti-social behaviour at three of our recent fixtures.

After working closely with Greater Manchester Police to investigate incidents at the home games against Sunderland and Cambridge United, and last Saturday’s League One fixture at Morecambe, Wanderers have issued the orders to individuals from the ages of 15-57.

Eight orders were issued following incidents at Morecambe, four at the Cambridge game and two after the fixture against Sunderland. These numbers are set to rise over the coming weeks with further banning orders relating to the games against Sunderland and Morecambe expected to be issued following further investigations in partnership with GMP.

The latest rounds of sanctions follow on from similar action taken earlier in the season after Wanderers’ home game against Wigan Athletic in October and now takes the number of banning orders this season issued by the Wanderers to over 30 supporters.

In addition, there are currently 48 police-enforced national bans in place relating to Wanderers’ supporters.

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Wanderers’ Chief Executive Officer Neil Hart said: “As this action clearly demonstrates, Bolton Wanderers will not tolerate any form of disorder or anti-social behaviour at our matches.

“As we continue to work closely with GMP we anticipate these numbers to rise over the coming weeks following the disorder experienced at Saturday’s fixture at Morecambe.

“We will continue to deal with any breaches in a vigorous and decisive manner to eradicate any form of disorder and lack of respect among our fan-base towards people or property.

“Our police costs this season are now over £63,000 with the likelihood this number will hit £100,000 by the end of the season. I’m sure every supporter would agree that this money could be better utilised within the club.

“Following discussions with the Board and key stakeholders, including the Supporters’ Trust, we will also shortly be communicating with supporters on the announcement of new and further measures aimed at eradicating disorder and anti-social behaviour as the club does everything possible to ensure a safe, secure and enjoyable environment for those real fans who give outstanding support to our team home and away.”

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