Forfar Athletic ban under-16s from games after 'unacceptable' behaviour

A Scottish football club has banned under-16s from attending its home matches without an adult following “unacceptable” behaviour.

Forfar Athletic FC said it had been left with “no other option” but to introduce strict measures due to incidents at previous games.

The Scottish League Two club said any under-16s will be refused entry for its three remaining home games, unless they are accompanied by a paying adult.

Additionally, anyone wearing a face covering will be asked to remove the item or be refused access to the ground.

The changes were confirmed in a statement after efforts were made to engage with the young fans.

A spokesperson said: “The behaviour of these young people is not acceptable and whilst the Club have tried to engage and encourage their support, the attendance of Police at two recent games has led to these measures having to be taken.

“Forfar Athletic would also like to add that their behaviour within the town itself is absolutely unacceptable.

“We have received numerous emails about disturbances and can only apologise to residents and businesses, however we cannot be held responsible for their actions away from the football ground.

“We have engaged with Police and we have passed on CCTV images. They are investigating all incidents.

Forfar Athletic wish to encourage younger supporters to attend matches, but only if they are coming to support the team and behave themselves. Not all of the younger fans are to blame, but we need to ensure that none of the ones who do misbehave are allowed to continue causing problems for stewards and police.

“If the police decide that they need to attend games, it comes at a cost to the Club, and so we need to ensure that their presence is not required.”

Anti-social behaviour was reported during the team’s clash against Spartans FC on March 21.

In January, the club was forced to condemn “unsavoury and unacceptable” incidents following its match against Stirling Albion FC, where a woman was assaulted.