FOOTBALL fans who refuse to sit down at Ipswich Town matches have been sent written warnings by the club.The Division One outfit confirmed it had sent out a "significant" number of warning letters to fans, urging them to sit down during play or face disciplinary action.

By Jonathan Barnes

FOOTBALL fans who refuse to sit down at Ipswich Town matches have been sent written warnings by the club.

The Division One outfit confirmed it had sent out a "significant" number of warning letters to fans, urging them to sit down during play or face disciplinary action.

Club bosses are tied to Football Licensing Authority regulations that demand fans generally remain seated during games.

They face penalties such as a reduction in the Portman Road stadium's 30,000 capacity if they cannot keep fans in their seats.

Supporters who have been spotted persistently standing have been sent the letters and could face punishments including a ban from the all-seater stadium.

A club spokesman said: "We have sent out a significant number of letters to supporters who have been identified as those who persistently stand, bringing to their attention that it breaches the stadium's by-laws.

"We are not trying to be killjoys and we understand supporters will stand at certain points in the game, and that is fine.

"But the Football Licensing Authority has decided action must be taken against fans who persistently stand.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and take whatever action is deemed appropriate at the time."

He refused to say exactly how many letters had been sent out.

Stewards at Portman Road regularly encourage supporters to sit down on match days and are asked to note those who persistently stand.

The problem appears to be greatest in the club's North Stand, where the club's most vocal supporters sit.

Earlier in the season, three fans were banned from Portman Road for persistent standing in the North Stand.