IPSWICH Town Independent Supporters Club chairman Malcolm Thompson has been banned from watching Ipswich Town games for four matches.

Derek Davis

By Derek Davis

EXCLUSIVE

IPSWICH Town Independent Supporters Club chairman Malcolm Thompson has been banned from watching Ipswich Town games for four matches.

The Blues took action against Thompson after he was ejected by stewards at Pride Park during Town's win against Derby County, on December 28.

Although Thompson was not charged with any criminal offence he was reported by police to Ipswich Town who then issued the ban.

North Stand season ticket holder Thompson will not be allowed into Portman Road for today's game against Plymouth Argyle.

He is also banned from watching Town at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea next Saturday and then the home games with Nottingham Forest and Blackpool.

A spokesman for Ipswich Town confirmed the ban but would not comment on any individual case.

He said: “Ipswich Town Football Club believes that everyone has the right to enjoy attending football matches in a safe, tolerant and friendly environment.

“Any Ipswich fan who is arrested or ejected from a football ground and who is reported by the police to the club will be banned for a minimum of three home games, and any away games within that period.

“Ipswich supporters have an extremely good reputation across the country and it is important this continues to be so and therefore any such behaviour likely to tarnish the good reputation of the club is not acceptable.”

Thompson has asked the club to rescind the ban but last night refused to make any public comment.

Long time Town fan Thompson started his own supporters club based in Haverhill and earlier this season withdrew Blues owner Marcus Evans' honourary membership in protest over charges being made to users of the Champions lounge, which were subsequently rescinded.

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk