A football club are to ban under-16s from attending games without an adult after a spate of abuse towards fans, players and stewards.

Lewes FC have taken the decision after reports of “persistent aggressive behaviour” from a section of the club’s younger fan base. The club say that the behaviour has been ongoing for a number of months.

The abuse reported to the team includes throwing objects at players as well as away fans being verbally abused. Lewes FC stewards at the game have also been targeted with “threatening behaviour”.

In a statement on the club’s website, a spokesman for the club said: “The safety and enjoyment of supporters is our utmost concern.

“Despite repeated warnings that have been given over many months, we have not seen an improvement in behaviour.

“Please note that any person, U16 or otherwise, that is identified as being abusive, or threatening, will face a ban from the club premises.”

Lewes will now require fans under-16 to attend the game with an adult it order to be admitted into games.

The club stressed that their Kids go Free policy, meaning that anyone under 16 could enter The Dripping Pan for free, would still be implemented.