Rochdale fans who stormed pitch in victory over Scunthorpe face ban from Crown Oil Arena

Two Rochdale AFC fans will be banned from the stadium for 18 months after encroaching onto the pitch during Saturday’s away fixture against Scunthorpe United.

Several Rochdale fans entered the pitch on 19 February after Max Taylor’s goal sealed a 2-1 victory for Dale in the 83rd minute.

It is a criminal offence to enter the pitch during a match and Rochdale AFC has been working with Greater Manchester Police and Scunthorpe United since the weekend to identify those involved.

The two fans who have been identified as confronting an opposition player may also be subjected to a future football banning order following further consultation with the police.

The club adds that it continues to investigate others who also encroached onto the pitch.

The club has issued the following statement: “Rochdale Football Club would like to send a clear message to supporters that the type of anti-social behaviour seen at Saturday’s game against Scunthorpe United will not be tolerated.

“The two individuals identified as confronting an opposition player will be subject to an 18 month stadium ban at the Crown Oil Arena, and may be subject to a future football banning order following further consultation with Greater Manchester Police.

“Rochdale Football Club was also made aware of an alleged assault on a minor by a Rochdale fan in a licensed premises in Scunthorpe prior to the fixture. This individual will be given an automatic lifetime stadium ban if found guilty.

 

 

“The EFL has recently issued a statement regarding fan behaviour at clubs across the country and we fully endorse their message:

“‘Any form of anti-social behaviour is unacceptable and whilst these instances only represent a very small section of people attending matches, the mindless few who choose to behave in this way are only demonstrating a complete lack of respect for the clubs they claim to support.

“‘Our message is simple – those intent on causing trouble are not welcome at our matches and we ask you to ‘stay away’.’”