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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Paul Thomson

Hamilton Accies ban fans pending investigation over social media comments aimed at staff

Hamilton Accies chairman Allan Maitland has confirmed some fans have been banned from attending matches amid claims of abusive online messages being directed at members of staff.

It is understood comments, which have since been deleted, were posted on social media and Hamilton Academical are now looking into the matter, with at least two supporters suspended from attending New Douglas Park.

Some fans have told Lanarkshire Live Sport they believe the move to be 'over the top' and are refusing to attend home games until the bans - which the club stress are temporary, pending investigation - are lifted.

Hamilton have had a torrid time on the pitch recently, with John Rankin's side sitting bottom of the Scottish Championship after two wins in 20 games. They have also lost their last seven league matches on the bounce.

Their position in the table has led to fans venting their frustration at the club board and management team in recent games, but it is claimed some of that has spilled over to online comments aimed at club officials.

Mr Maitland said he could not comment on specifics with the investigation underway, but told Lanarkshire Live Sport : "There is an investigation on-going regarding various messages being put out on social media.

"Hopefully the matter will be resolved quickly.

"Until such time as the investigation is completed, there is a suspension on these supporters."

Accies chairman Allan Maitland (SNS Group)

Hamilton fan group Accies Supporters' Association has addressed the issue on social media, releasing a statement calling for an "open forum" to discuss the matter.

Their statement read: ""In a time where members of Hamilton Academical Football Club are asking for Unity between the Fans and the Club, they are then dividing both further by issuing, what we feel, are unfair bans to certain individuals of the fanbase.

"We therefore ask the club for an open forum at a neutral venue for all fans, both active and passive, to attend and voice their opinions and concerns in a constructive manner, where we can discuss outcomes and how to move forward without the need to create further divides.

"Copies of this message will be sent via email to Directors at HAFC."

Accies will be looking for the backing of their fans tonight when they face Clyde in the quarter-final of the SPFL Trust Trophy at New Douglas Park.

Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.

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