Football club bans twelve

Rochdale Football Club has banned 12 individuals from attending fixtures at their Spotland home.

The move comes after a number of unsavoury incidents at recent matches. Club officials have worked with Greater Manchester Police to monitor the behaviour of certain individuals at matches before implementing the banning orders.

Genuine supporters highlighted problems during many of Rochdale's recent home games, as well as during visits to Grimsby and Accrington.

The Chief Executive of Rochdale Football Club Colin Garlick has issued a statement that the club will continue to clampdown on troublemakers, at both home and away matches.

He said: "It is very disappointing that we have had to issue these banning orders but we have a responsibility to all genuine football supporters. Unfortunately there has been a growing number of incidents at our matches this season both at home and on the road and this behaviour is threatening the friendly reputation that we have in football. It is also having an effect on the match day enjoyment of genuine Dale supporters.

"We are very grateful to GMP who we have, and will continue to work closely with on these matters. We are also grateful to the genuine supporters for the feedback and information that they have given us. These banning orders are a result of the club working closely with the police and a true collective effort with valuable support from concerned Dale fans.

"The support of GMP has been key to taking this action but we would also thank our own supporters for their important involvement. There is no doubt from the feedback that we have received from genuine fans that there have been occasions where they have felt intimidated by the behaviour of certain individuals, and like ourselves they are concerned about the damage to the excellent reputation that we all take great pride in.

"In addition to the banning orders enforced at Spotland Stadium the club will continue to work with GMP who in turn will share information with other forces up and down the country. In terms of other clubs we visit not only will this information be shared between police forces it will also be shared between clubs and we are confident that our fellow Football League clubs will support us as we intend to support them.

"This action should make it very clear to everyone that we will not tolerate behaviour that is intimidating, threatens the safety of genuine supporters and is spoiling the match day experience of those wanting to enjoy their football in a safe and friendly atmosphere. The banning order list is longer than we would want it to be but this is action that we feel we have been forced in to, we will continue to monitor all our matches and we will have no hesitation in adding to the list if necessary."