AYR United has issued a warning to fans to avoid “unacceptable behaviour” at Friday night’s meeting with Falkirk.
The warning coincides with an alleged rise in antisocial activity, including as fights, fireworks, and damage, at games this season.
According to the team, it has had “positive discussions” with the ‘Ayr Youth’ fan club.
A spokesperson said: “Ayr Youth and the Ragazzi have done a fantastic job of increasing the atmosphere at home and away matches, and their efforts make a significant difference to the team and have been applauded by the management staff and the players.
“What has become apparent over recent months is that the supporter groups contain two distinct elements.
“Firstly, Ayr United fans who are keen to see an improved atmosphere in support of the team and secondly, an element who attach themselves to the groups and engage in behaviours that are unacceptable in and around stadiums, which does little but increase costs to the football club, and misrepresent what the club seeks to achieve.”
The club has now warned that if there is any “unacceptable behaviour” at Friday’s clash with Falkirk, it will close the North Terrace segregation fence for the remainder of the season.
Managing director Graeme Mathie said: “In conversation with colleagues across the leagues in Scotland, it’s apparent that individuals wishing to engage in unacceptable behaviour in and around football is unfortunately on the rise.
“For all the good work Ayr Youth and the Ragazzi do in creating a great atmosphere, their efforts are hugely damaged by the behaviours of other elements who are now undoubtedly causing the club harm.
“Our policing and security costs for matches at Somerset Park are now three times what we budgeted at the start of the season, and in addition to reports of fighting in/around train stations and the use of pyrotechnics which cause huge risk to fellow supporters, we are aware of vandalism at away grounds, and even within our own stadium the cost of which the club has to incur.”
A club spokesperson added: “For the avoidance of doubt, Ayr United acknowledge that this is currently a widespread issue throughout Scottish football.
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As a team that takes pleasure in being a part of the community, Ayr United must emphasise that antisocial activity that is connected to our name and badge, whether it occurs inside or outside of stadiums, cannot and will not be tolerated.
“We are happy that so many young people are cheering for our team, and we hope that they, like all of us, will continue to have much to do in the weeks, months, and years to come.
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