A NEW initiative which aims to crackdown on football hooliganism has netted its first victory.

Operation Fixture, a joint project between Pennine Police, Burnley Football Club and Burnley Magistrates, has convicted 18 "fans" who have now been banned for life from the Clarets' Turf Moor ground.

The prosecutions, convictions and bans are a direct result of Operation Fixture, launched in a bid to eliminate violence and racist behaviour from the terraces.

The 18 offenders were convicted for a number of offences at both home and away matches including affray, Public Order offences, drunk in or entering a sports ground and pitch encroachment.

Burnley Football Club's ground safety officer Alex Wood said: "The club will continue to take action against individuals who cause disturbances to the general public and ruin the enjoyment of Burnley supporters.

"These individuals are intent on destroying the good name of Burnley Football Club.

"The police in Burnley have recently employed a high profile campaign to deal with any kind of football related disturbances and this is further proof that it is working. The chairman and directors are striving to rid the club of anyone who causes disturbances either at Turf Moor or at away grounds.

"The club will continue to take action against any individuals who are found guilty of committing any form of football related violence or racism at home or away matches and will continue to employ its policy of awarding life bans to anyone found guilty."

The message from the club is simple: "Come to Turf Moor to support your team and enjoy the game."

The latest bans come just days after football hooligans threw missiles onto the pitch at Turf Moor during the Clarets game against Reading on Saturday.

Police said food, coins and a bottle were thrown at Reading's goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann while a brick was also thrown through one of the Lottery Office windows causing considerable damage.

The club is now appealing for any witnesses to come forward. The Football Association has already contacted officials in an effort to find out their observations on the alleged throwing of objects at Hahnemann.

Anyone with information can contact Alex Wood on 01282 700000.