Rowdy youths have been barred from attending Edinburgh City matches after the club was forced into action over “unacceptable” behaviour from supporters.
Bosses at the cinch League Two side claimed they previously cautioned young fans about their conduct following the victory over Stirling Albion last week.
However, antisocial actions are understood to have continued during the 2-1 reverse at home to Albion Rovers on Tuesday evening.
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A “large group of individuals” are now set to be denied entry to Ainslie Park should they attempt to attend the side’s next home game against Cowdenbeath on February 25.
The club recently announced their return to Meadowbank Stadium was to be delayed until the start of next season after the opening date for the new multi-million pound facility was pushed back further.
A club statement apologised to “loyal fans” for the ban, adding: “Over the last two home games, there has been an element of our younger support whose behaviour has been unacceptable.
“After the Stirling Albion game, we started a dialogue with them and met with a large group before the game last night. We made it clear if they wanted to continue following the team, they had to abide by our rules.
“During the game last night (Tuesday) again, their behaviour was unacceptable so the individuals in this group will no longer be welcome at Edinburgh City games and will be refused entry if they try.”
It continued: “Everyone at the club has worked hard to create a safe environment for fans and build an atmosphere where people of all ages feel comfortable watching a game of football.
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"To our loyal fans who have witnessed this behaviour over the past two games, please accept our apologies and be assured this will not be tolerated.
"We tried to give them a chance to conduct themselves within our guidelines, but they didn’t, so we have no option but to ban them from our games.”
The Meadowbank redevelopment has been delayed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic and issues sourcing construction materials.
A completion date is yet to be put in place, by City of Edinburgh Council leader Adam McVey said the facility was intended to be used for the forthcoming election counts in May.
City have played at Spartans' Ainslie Park since 2017 when work on the former Commonwealth Games stadium got underway.
