A Scots football club has banned all under-16s from attending games without an adult after a string of anti-social behaviour incidents – including pyrotechnics being set off in the stadium.
Dumbarton announced their decision, describing the behaviour as “detrimental to the reputation of the club”.
The League One side issued a statement on Tuesday evening, in which they told how a “small element” of the Sons’ support had chosen to ignore previous warnings over anti-social behaviour and the use of pyro, both inside and outside of the stadium, in their 3-2 defeat at home to Montrose on Saturday.
In addition, the club said it was aware of further anti-social behaviour in Dumbarton town centre prior to kick-off, where fans required medical treatment for “respiratory problems”.
In their statement, Sons chiefs said: “Dumbarton Football Club are disappointed to note that despite previous warnings regarding anti-social behaviour and the use of pyrotechnics, a small element of our support has chosen to ignore these culminating in several pyros being sent off inside and outside the ground at the match against Montrose on Saturday.
“Furthermore, we are aware that they were involved with anti-social behaviour in the town centre before the match.
“A number of fans responsible for the incident were moved to the Community Suite awaiting arrival of guardians and police, and at the same time we witnessed several fans leaving and some having medical attention for respiratory problems.”
Club bosses said that they have been in regular conversation with the supporters’ group, who have “confused this as permission to pursue and develop their group further”.
The club announced the unusual step to stop all under-16s attending matches without a relative or carer over the age of 18.
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The club statement said: “Unfortunately their behaviour has now become detrimental to the reputation of the club.
“As a result of the anti-social behaviour witnessed on Saturday, the club has made the decision that, for the remainder of the season, all under-16’s will not be permitted entry to the stadium unless they are accompanied by a relative/carer who is 18 or over and will be responsible for their behaviour whilst on the premises. This applies for both home and away supporters.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may present to the majority of our supporters, but hopefully you will recognise why such a decision is required.”
Dumbarton also said that it would review the situation and determine whether the measures will remain in plkace beyond this season or if a fairer system could be introduced for any under-16 season ticket holders.
Sons suppooreters took to social media to share their views on the move.
One supporter said: “Collective punishment for the actions of a few? How about the stewards do their job and identify those responsible instead of dishing out blanket bans to the Young Sons?”
Another said: “Insane decision. In administration, crowds dwindling every season, desperate for money….. why find a way to exclude legitimate, responsible, young fans? Got to reverse this and find a different solution D.F.C.”
Another added: “Well my son is a season ticket holder and attends all home games I don’t think it’s fair for him to be penalised for other’s actions. He loves going to the games, it’s really not fair. Not everyone is involved in this behaviour so why should they be punished?”
The move to ban young fans is just the latest in what has proven to be a tumultous campaign for the crisis-hit club.
Dumbarton were plunged in to administration last November following years of uncertainty behind the scenes. The Sons – one of Scotland’s oldest remaining clubs – were hit with a 15 point deduction which sees them sit rock bottom of the League One standings, 14 points adrift of Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who have also plunged into financial difficulty this campaign.
The club entered administration “following the non-receipt of significant funds that were owed to the club from the sale of development land in 2021”.
Administration sparked a major crowdfunding campaign from diehard supporters to safeguard the club’s future beyond this season. So far, more than £105,000 has been raised towards the club’s plight.