Glentoran will adopt 'a zero-tolerance approach' to supporters who engage in a manner that endangers the lives of players, staff or fans, says chairman Colin Jess as east Belfast side are fined over £9,000 by the IFA this season to date

Jess outlined that whilst the club appreciates the "unwavering support" from supporters, they have been "burdened by excessive fines" totalling over £9,000 since the start of the season.

The fines are in relation to fans entering the playing area and objects being thrown onto the pitch.

In a statement on the club's website, Jess remarked that this money could be better spent elsewhere for the "benefit of our club" and a supporter who threw an object at Larne striker Andy Ryan in the County Antrim Shield final has been indefinitely banned.

He said: "Regardless of whether we agree with these penalties, the harsh reality is that our club is being burdened with excessive fines, in our opinion, by the IFA. This money could be far better utilised for the benefit of our club.

"We are determined to take action by appealing to the IFA to review the frequency and severity of fines imposed on football clubs throughout the league. We hope to garner support from other clubs and from NIFL.

"In the meantime, we implore all fans to refrain from engaging in activities such as setting off flares, throwing objects onto the pitch, entering the field of play, or displaying any behaviour that jeopardises the safety of fans, players, or staff.

"It is imperative that we make it unequivocally clear that we condemn any such behaviour, and will operate a zero-tolerance approach to anyone who behaves in a manner that endangers the well-being of fans, players, or staff.

"In light of this, I must also inform you that the fan responsible for throwing an object at Larne player Andrew Ryan during the County Antrim Shield Final has been indefinitely banned from The Oval.

"Going forward the club will consider taking steps to recoup the cost of any future fines from those whose actions are proven to have led to the club being fined."

Jess also revealed that Glentoran will soon communicate "strategic plans of the club" following the return of Stormont.

"With the new functioning Executive now in place, we will shortly be engaging with our support to provide you with updates on the strategic plans of the club," he added.

"However, in the meantime, I would like to once again extend my heartfelt appreciation for your support and urge you to ensure that the football authorities do not burden us with further costly fines.

"Let’s get behind the team through to the end of the season."

Warren Feeney's side are in action this evening as they host high-flying Cliftonville in the Sports Direct Premiership.