Football fans told to behave themselves

Constable Colyn Wilson said: “As the Irish League kicks off for another season we want to take this opportunity to remind supporters about the need to behave in a safe and legal manner when attending football matches. We don’t want a repeat of the disorder we saw following the Coleraine/Cliftonville match back in April of this year.

“As a result of that ongoing investigation over 20 people will be reported to the Public Prosecution Service and where appropriate we will be seeking banning orders.

“We recognise that the vast majority of fans are there to enjoy the match and there is no harm in a bit of friendly rivalry between supporters however we will not tolerate disruption, disorder or criminal behaviour of any kind.

“As always we will continue to work with our local football clubs and the Irish Football League to address any criminal activity linked to people attending matches and ensure that supporters are kept safe.”

In June of this year a 23-year-old man was given a four year domestic football banning order in Coleraine Magistrates Court.

The banning order was the first of its type to be issued in Northern Ireland and followed an incident of disorderly behaviour after an Irish league game between Coleraine and Ballymena in December 2015.