Rochdale AFC ban two fans over 'confronting opposition players' during Scunthorpe win

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Rochdale AFC have banned two fans who ran onto the pitch and 'confronted' Scunthorpe United players during a 2-1 win. The incident happened during Saturday's game at Glanford Park, in which Dale initially went a goal down before coming back to secure three points.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Spotland side said the club would like to send a 'clear message' to supporters about anti-social behaviour. READ MORE:Motorway fully shut due to overturned lorry amid Storm Franklin chaos - latest updates And a club spokesperson has also confirmed that Rochdale have been working with Greater Manchester Police to identify those involved, with two fans now set to be given an 18-month stadium ban. "It is a criminal offence to enter the field of play and the club has been working with Greater Manchester Police and Scunthorpe United since the weekend to identify those involved," a club statemend reads. "The two individuals identified as confronting an opposition player will be subject to an 18-month stadium ban at the Crown Oil Arena (Spotland), and may be subject to a future football banning order following further consultation with Greater Manchester Police. "We continue to investigate others who also encroached onto the pitch." Other incidents reported at the game included a child being assaulted by a Rochdale fan at a pub before the game began and flares being used inside the stadium. "Rochdale Football Club was also made aware of an alleged assault on a minor by a Rochdale fan in a licensed premises in Scunthorpe prior to the fixture," the club's statement added. "This individual will be given an automatic lifetime stadium ban if found guilty." Sign up to the MEN email newsletters to get the latest on sport, news, what's