Group of fans banned from Tranent games following incidents

A GROUP of football fans has been banned from attending Tranent FC games after disruption during the club’s match against East Kilbride on March 30.

The Belters lost 2-1 to the visitors at Foresters Park in the semi-final of the South Challenge Cup.

However, the game was marred by “unacceptable incidents” of fan disruption, according to the club.

The Lowland League side released a statement after the match stating “appropriate action” would be taken against those involved.

Last week, the club issued an update on social media saying: “Recently the club have been engaging with other community organisations in the hope that collectively we could improve the behaviour of a certain group not only at our games but throughout our community.

“However, on Saturday, even with police presence and mobile CCTV in operation, which is currently under review by the police, further unacceptable behaviour occurred.

“Taking this into account, we have been left with no other option but to ban this group from attending our games and implement the matchday rule that under-16-year-olds will only be admitted when accompanied by a paying adult.

“We are disappointed in having to take this decision but the actions of a small number of individuals within that group have spoiled it for everyone.

“Tranent FC as a community club will continue to engage with our community partners to try and solve which is not just a football problem but also impacting others within our community away from Foresters Park.”

The two sides faced each other again on Sunday in the Lowland League Cup final at Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Tranent winning 5-4 on penalties.