LATEST NEWS: Bradford City fan arrests hit highest level for five years last season

CITY have issued a statement warning against crowd disorder after a rise in the number of football banning orders among fans.

The club have revealed that 10 supporters received banning orders last season – compared with just one at the start.

Seven arrests were also made last week after incidents around the game at Hartlepool in March which could see the current figure rise.

City chief executive Ryan Sparks, said: “Our support, on the whole, is fantastic. Home and away, our fans always do us proud, and bhave 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.”