A sports bar has angered Swindon Town fans after banning them from Monday night’s play-off match against Charlton.

The supporters were turned away from the TP’s Sports Bar, formerly the Walkabout, in Fleet Street, after the management claimed a section of Town’s followers were too violent and could cause trouble on the night.

One of the bar’s managers said a home-game ban came into effect at the venue after a brawl took place outside its doors between Cardiff City and town supporters on July 25, during a friendly match ending up in more than 10 arrests.

Maurice Macleod, said he had no other choice in the matter because it usually costs more for the bar to hire security than they make showing the match.

He said: “We chose not to show the game because they’re more trouble than they’re worth.

“There are a minority of fans that cause us a lot of problems – like the riot we had outside our premises last year.

“I don’t think this is disrespectful, if they kicked off in here they would be liable to ruin it for everyone else.

“The fact is that they kick off quite a bit and we hear it over the police pub radio.

“I will admit it is a bit harsh on actual fans.”

However Town supporters called the move “disrespectful” to Swindon.

Justin Leighfield, whose stepdad is former Swindon Town player Roger Smart – who set up the second and third goals in the 1969 League Cup Final – both scored by Don Rogers, said he was flabergasted by the ban.

He said: “This ban is extremely disappointing and I would like to speak to the management on this issue.

“I have watched between 20 and 30 games in that pub and I have never seen one spot of trouble.

“I had planned on watching Swindon Town go to Wembley in there with my brothers, but when I entered I was told Town fans were too violent.

“It’s truly disheartening.”

“I just cannot believe that the town centre’s main sports bar is refusing to support our club the way the rest of the town is.”

Selina Roberts, another manager, promised to show the Wembley final against Millwall on May 29.

She said: “I have talked it over with my bosses and we have decided to show the final because it is such a great thing for Swindon.

“I can understand why they were angry, but it is the aggressive fans that ruin it for everyone else.

“I mean we have violence in here on a Saturday night from Swindon Town fans even when there is no game on.

“We don’t allow Swindon fans in on home games.

“There are designated pubs in town for fans on home games, they are regulated by police.

“And we have been praised by police on this issue.”