Hull FC have insisted that stadium bans may be handed out to any supporters found guilty of bottle throwing. The club has released a statement this Friday afternoon following several reported incidents during Good Friday's Hull derby fixture against Hull KR at the MKM Stadium.
It is not the first time bottle throwing has been an issue at recent derby affairs, with ugly scenes from the 2023 Easter fixture resulting in tickets being made available for home fans only in home sections of the ground – in particular the west stand upper.
However, the club has now reinforced to its own supporters that such behaviour won't be tolerated. They are working with the SMC to identify fans responsible last week, with repercussions set to be handed out – ones that could carry stadium bans of one to three years.
The statement read: "Hull FC have released the following advice to supporters in relation to several incidents of bottle throwing at the Good Friday Hull Derby at the MKM Stadium.
"The club has received several reports of bottles being thrown onto the playing surface from the stands during the fixture. The club would like to remind and emphasise to all supporters that the throwing of bottles will not be tolerated, and anyone found engaging in this behaviour at any time may face a stadium ban ranging from one to three years.
"Match days at the MKM Stadium should be enjoyable and safe for all supporters, and behaviour of this nature will be dealt with firmly. The club and the SMC are currently working to identify the individuals responsible from last week’s fixture."
The club has also confirmed a change to bottle sales will be made for the Wigan game this weekend. They added: "Supporters are advised that from this Sunday’s fixture against Wigan Warriors, all bottle tops will be removed from all beverages sold in the lower bowl of the MKM Stadium at the point of sale, with the exception of the West Stand.
"Furthermore, searches will be implemented to prevent fans from bringing drinks (with the exception of bottled water in a clear container of less than 500 ml) into the MKM Stadium, as per the stadium’s prohibited items policy."
The derby was watched by 21,018 people last week – the biggest attendance for a club rugby league fixture in Hull since 2009.