BANNING orders have been handed down to 14 Bolton Wanderers fans after recent outbreaks of disorder, including last Saturday's pitch invasion, the club has confirmed.

The supporters, whose ages range from 15 to 57, were banned after outbreaks of trouble at home games against Sunderland and Cambridge United, and last Saturday’s League One fixture at Morecambe.

This comes on top of 48 police-enforced national bans in place relating to Wanderers’ supporters currently in force and means that policing costs paid by the club is likely to reach six figures.

Wanderers chief executive officer Neil Hart said: "As this action clearly demonstrates, Bolton Wanderers will not tolerate any form of disorder or anti-social behaviour at our matches.

"As we continue to work closely with GMP we anticipate these numbers to rise over the coming weeks following the disorder experienced at Saturday’s fixture at Morecambe.

"We will continue to deal with any breaches in a vigorous and decisive manner to eradicate any form of disorder and lack of respect among our fan-base towards people or property."

The latest round of sanctions follow on from similar action taken earlier in the season after Wanderers’ home game against Wigan Athletic in October and now takes the number of banning orders this season issued by the Whites to more than 30 supporters.

The numbers of fans banned is set to rise over the coming weeks with further banning orders relating to the games against Sunderland and Morecambe expected to be issued following further investigations carried out by the club in partnership with Greater Manchester Police.

Mr Hart added: "Our police costs this season are now more than £63,000 with the likelihood this number will hit £100,000 by the end of the season. I’m sure every supporter would agree that this money could be better utilised within the club.

"Following discussions with the board and key stakeholders, including the supporters’ trust, we will also shortly be communicating with supporters on the announcement of new and further measures aimed at eradicating disorder and anti-social behaviour as the club does everything possible to ensure a safe, secure and enjoyable environment for those real fans who give outstanding support to our team home and away."

Bolton Wanderers fans have also added their voice, pointing out that the actions of the 14 who were banned are in no way representative of the majority of supporters.

A statement from Bolton Wanderers Supporters Association said: "This is shocking behaviour by a minority of so-called Bolton fans, they should be punished and banned.

"We do not condone their actions and wish to show our disgust."