Wanderers have issued a lifetime ban to an individual as the club continues its mission to make watching the Whites a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
The ban has been issued following a conviction for assault against the individual following an incident at Horwich Parkway Railway Station and in light of previous Football Banning Orders associated with the same person at both Wanderers' fixtures and while supporting the England national team.
The sanction will prevent the individual concerned from attending any more fixtures at the University of Bolton Stadium, purchasing tickets for home or away fixtures and accessing any BWFC properties or facilities, including the Bolton Stadium Hotel and club shop.
The latest crackdown follows confirmation from the Home Office that banning orders were in place for 46 Wanderers’ followers during the 2021/22 season. Twelve supporters are currently the subject of club bans.
The figures reflect a number of pro-active measures Wanderers have taken to tackle historic behavioural and disorder issues involving a very small section of the club’s fanbase at matches.
As well as working closely with the police and our own safeguarding team, Wanderers last season introduced the ‘One Wanderers’ scheme to encourage supporters to report any incidents of anti-social behaviour, disorder or criminal activity to a dedicated text number.
In addition, the club is employing more of its own stewards, relying less heavily on agency staff, and deploying stewards more effectively in potentially problematic areas of the ground.
One aspect of the highly successful BWFC membership scheme in place also means the club is able to identify every person who enters the ground, should an issue arise.
As a club we also continue to hold extensive consultation with the Supporters’ Trust regarding any further or different measures they would like to see put in place to combat any potential problems and enhance the match day experience.
Neil Hart, Wanderers’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “The issuing of this lifetime ban further shows that we take – and will continue to take – a zero-tolerance approach to any kind of anti-social behaviour, disorder or criminal offences in and around the stadium on a match day.
“It remains a priority to continue to strive to ensure all supporters can enjoy watching Bolton Wanderers in a safe and welcoming environment.
“We are pleased and encouraged to report that so far this season at the University of Bolton Stadium there has been only one arrest and two ejections and there have been no arrests of Wanderers’ supporters at away fixtures as the measures put in place by the club show they are working.
“We thank all genuine fans for their on-going and loyal support and look forward to seeing you back here again on Saturday.”