Wakefield Wildcats ban five men after rugby match violence

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have issued indefinite banning orders to five men following crowd trouble at the recent home fixture with Widnes Vikings.

Banning orders have been handed down to Paul Lowes, Andy Evans, Paul Wood, Ian Turner and Mark Judd, all of whom will not be permitted entry to any Wildcats fixture at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium, nor allowed to purchase tickets for away matches.

Their pictures will also be sent to all other Super League clubs and the Rugby Football League.

Wildcats General Manager, Davide Longo, said: “We’ve carried out a very thorough investigation that is still ongoing, but from the information we have been able to gather thus far from supporters, video footage and in discussion with our security team, we have successfully identified these individuals and concluded that they were involved in the disturbances.

“Banning people from the stadium is not something we ever want to do, but it is imperative that supporters of all ages can come to watch games in a safe and enjoyable environment. We won’t allow people to tarnish the reputation of our club and the sport as a whole.”

With a large travelling support expected from Leeds Rhinos on Friday night in the West Yorkshire derby, the club has also taken the decision to operate segregation for the first time.

The Rhinos supporters have been allocated the Western Terrace and, if required, the north-west corner of the Stadium.

Wildcats fans will be permitted to watch the game from the Fleetmaster North Stand and the East Stand.

Longo added: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly but given recent events we feel it is necessary. Last Friday night’s game between the two clubs was played in a fantastic atmosphere and we’re sure tomorrow’s game will be no different.

“We appreciate that some supporters may have watched matches from one area for a number of years, but we request their cooperation and understanding of why we have made this decision.”

Tickets for Friday night’s match remain on sale and all supporters are reminded that the match is not all ticket and as it stands, tickets will be available to purchase on the night.

Supporters are advised to buy in advance to save money on matchday prices and to beat the queues. Tickets can be purchased from the Ridings Centre Store, the Rapid Solicitors Stadium Box Office, by calling 01924 201548/211611 or via wakefieldwildcats.co.uk.

All tickets purchased for the original fixture in March that was postponed due to the heavy snowfall remain valid.

Wakefield Wildcats ban five men after rugby match violence