Under-16s face ban after trouble at games

The decision was after instances of anti-social behaviour have been reported at the Victoria Ground

A football club has issued a ban on under-16 fans attending matches without an adult following reports of trouble at games.

Bromsgrove Sporting F.C said the decision came after numerous instances of anti-social behaviour at Victoria Ground that has attracted the attention of police.

Rod Brown, chairman of the club, said the move should not be seen as a blanket judgment of young people but an attempt to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all fans.

"I don't want the club to be known as a soft touch one or that we allow any unruly behaviour," he said.

"In the last four or five games, there's been an ascendancy of behaviour that disrupts the rest of the fans, their enjoyment and experience at the game.

"It is something that we didn't want to let escalate."

'Stomp it out'

The rule means young Sporting fans could miss the final remaining three homes games.

"We don't want it that 16 year olds are under can't come to the game on their own because I don't want to brand all the those young people as the same," Mr Brown told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"However, we were given some intelligence from the police and they say that the majority of the anti-social behaviour is coming from 14 and 15 year olds."

The decision has been welcomed by some fans like Rob Clarke, who says action is needed before it escalates.

"I've taken my young daughter to games a number of times, and I would continue to do so without any without any qualms," he said.

"But the issue is that there has been a couple of games where the behaviour has crossed the line.

"I agree with the rule because if it is let go then the club does look like a soft touch and it could garner more trouble. Let's stomp this out before it's a problem."