Bradford City AFC has moved to update supporters regarding crowd disorder, ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
At the start of last season, only one City supporter had been placed on a ‘football banning order’, as a consequence of ill conduct on matchday.
However, following a number of incidents last season, that figure has now risen to 10 - with seven arrests made last week in relation to March’s trip to Hartlepool United, meaning there is potential for this number to increase.
The club’s chief executive officer, Ryan Sparks, said: “Our support, on the whole, is fantastic. Home and away, our fans always do us proud, and behave impeccably.
“Sadly, however, a small minority - and the incidents which have occurred over the course of the past season - is beginning to tarnish our reputation.
“There were a number of incidents towards the end of last season where supporters behaved unacceptably and arrests followed, which have led to charges and suspensions.
“This is a developing situation, and not in the right direction, which is having a sizeable impact on club finances, from a policing perspective.
“Each season, we pay a substantial amount of money to cover policing costs. The amount we were required to contribute last season will likely increase by 80 to 90% for the coming campaign, given recent events, and this will have a knock-on effect. It is certainly frustrating, when it can often be the difference between landing a transfer target and falling short.
“The level and kind of disorder we have witnessed over the past year is not Bradford City AFC, and not who we are. It is becoming a significant problem in the wider game, and one we must collectively become responsible for putting a stop to.”