Non-league Corby ban 13-year-old after Belper fracas

Non-league Corby Town have given a 13-year-old an indefinite ban from attending their games after a flare was thrown onto the pitch during Saturday's 2-1 victory at Belper.

It was one of a number of incidents during the match at which Belper say younger fans from both clubs "engaged in disturbances" inside and outside the stadium.

A Corby statement said:, external "An object thrown late in the match was reported to match officials. The individual responsible, a 13-year-old supporter, has been identified and has received an indefinite ban from attending Corby Town fixtures.

"Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstances."

An investigation is ongoing into a separate incident in which a coin was thrown from a stand containing supporters of both clubs which Corby say "landed in close proximity" to the players.

And there was a further clash between rival fans at the Raygar Stadium following the final whistle which resulted in a young supporter being taken to hospital.

"CCTV footage has identified a group of individuals in the vicinity, and Corby Town Football Club is assisting enquiries to establish responsibility," the statement said.

In a statement, Belper said the incidents were an "escalation" of anti-social behaviour, including obscene gestures and chants, that has occurred at a number of their recent games.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank Corby Town for their co-operation in this matter and we commend their approach to dealing swiftly and efficiently with it at their end," the Derbyshire club added.

Back in October, Belper issued banning orders against two people following incidents at a game against Carlton Town.

Corby, who recently confirmed Leon Mettam as manager, won the Northern Premier League Midlands Division game - in the eighth tier of English football - thanks to two goals by Sam Warburton.