TWO football fans who caused disorder during the Bury FC versus Bolton Wanderers match last month have been given football banning orders.

Liam Thomas Jones, aged 23, a Whites supporter, of Shuttle Street, Tyldesley, was arrested on suspicion of pitch encroachment during the match at Gigg Lane on Monday October 24.

On the same date, Bury fan Curtis James Butler, aged 28, of Abbey Crescent, Heywood, was arrested on suspicion of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour.

Both men appeared before Bury Magistrates’ Court on Friday and each received a three-year football banning order.

Chief Inspector Joanne Marshall-Bell, match commander of the Bury v Bolton fixture, said: “People are entitled to attend any football match without fear of violence or disorder, regardless of any traditional rivalry that may exist between the clubs.

“Unfortunately, there can sometimes be a minority intent on causing trouble and spoiling the experience for genuine fans who are only interested in supporting their team.

“Jones and Butler fall into this category and have now received significant banning orders which will stop them attending any match for a number of years.

"These orders should send a clear message to any supporter considering committing offences at football matches that they will be caught and dealt with robustly.

“Both Bury FC and Bolton Wanderers support any police action and, in addition to football banning orders imposed by the courts, they can issue club bans to supporters who act inappropriately at matches.”