THE chairman of Salisbury FC has released a statement addressing a spate of violent incidents which have taken place at recent games, emphasising that lifetime bans could be handed out.
As previously reported, A 15-year-old boy suffered a facial injury after a disorder incident in the stands at a football match between Salisbury and Basingstoke Town. The incident happened at around 4.15pm in the Ray Mac Stadium on Monday, April 1.
The boy required treatment for his injuries.
READ MORE: Boy, 15, suffers facial injuries in 'disorder' at Salisbury v Basingstoke match
More recently, another violent "crowd disturbance" took place when the Whites faced off against Harrow Borough at the Ray Mac.
Items were reportedly thrown at the Harrow goalkeeper in the match on Saturday, April 13.
Now, Ian Hammond, chairman of Salisbury FC, has made a statement on the matter. In the statement, released on the club's website, he said that any offence, whether racial, violence or anti-social behaviour, will be dealt with in the "appropriate manner."
The full statement reads: "This season I think we can all agree has been not just successful, but we have seen some extremely exciting games from Brian and the team. A playoff place has been secured and we await the final league placings to see who and where we play.
"With the success this season we have seen bigger crowds and increased revenues from the bars and tea huts. All of this is essential to ensure the future financial sustainability of the club at whatever level we will be playing at next season.
"What will not help is the type of incidents that occurred this month in both the Basingstoke (crowd disturbance) and Harrow (items thrown at Harrow goalkeeper) games. Both incidents were reported to the FA by the match officials, and we await their decisions which could involve sanctions and/or fines.
"Any individual judged to be guilty of any offence whether it be racial, violence or any anti-social behaviour will be dealt with in the appropriate manner. This could include the immediate removal from the ground, season long ban or even a lifetime ban depending on the severity of the offence. Where necessary, the police would also be involved.
"Any supporters witnessing any anti-social behaviour of any kind are requested to advise the nearest steward immediately so that the appropriate action can be taken.
"Finally, to return to the football let’s cheer on the team in our last league game and any playoff matches in the right way."
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