Glentoran will take zero-tolerance approach to bad behaviour: Colin Jess

Larne's Andy Ryan was struck by a missile at the County Antrim Shield Final

Glentoran have warned they will take a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour from fans as they confirmed the supporter who hurled an object at Larne player Andrew Ryan during the County Antrim Shield Final has been indefinitely banned from The Oval.

The Glens were fined £2,500 following incidents at the Shield Final when flares were visible, and Ryan was struck with a missile thrown from the crowd.

Deep in injury-time during Larne’s 2-1 win, Ryan was hit by a liquid-filled container.

The east Belfast club had previously been fined £5,000 by Irish FA disciplinary chiefs following disturbances involving their supporters at Seaview.

In the Premiership game on Saturday, October 28 there were ugly scenes in the corner of the ground as travelling supporters tried to get into the Shore Road End stand, which is now reserved for Crues fans as a family enclosure. Glentoran managed to get that fine reduced following an appeal, however the fines dished out by the Irish FA to several clubs is a major source of frustration.

“On a number of occasions this season, our club has faced multiple charges from the IFA of breaching its rules regarding spectator conduct,” stated Chairman Colin Jess on the club’s website.

“Despite our best efforts to contest some of these charges, we have incurred fines totalling over £9,000 since the beginning of the season.

“The majority of these fines are a result of incidents involving the use of flares, fans entering the playing area and objects being thrown onto the pitch.

“Regardless of whether we agree with these penalties, the harsh reality is that our club is being burdened with excessive fines, in our opinion, by