BANS stopping Swindon Town fans from attending football games fell last year.

In total, 12 fans were made subject to the orders in the 2017/18 season, according to Home Office figures. It is a fall from a high of 15 in the 2014/15 season.

And while Oxford United is riding high, a league above the Robins, their fans were subject to fewer banning orders last year – with only 11 banned from attending games.

A spokesman for Swindon Town said yesterday: "Football, as a whole, has worked so hard in the last 30 years to improve the experience of football fans in the UK and individual clubs’ actions and processes have been a huge part of that. Football matches are passionate events but that is still no excuse for any sort of abuse or violence. There’s no place for it in society, so why should there be in football?

"The club is in constant dialogue with local police, game-by-game, to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for fans attending matches at the County Ground. Any history between the two clubs is taken into consideration while the club will also look at all visiting team’s record that season for any occurrences of unacceptable behaviour."

The comments came as a judge told one Town fan he could face jail for his part in a violent disorder involving Swindon and Newport County supporters a year-and-a-half ago. Zach Surry admitted a charge of violent disorder in incidents following the game against Newport Town last season. The 26-year-old was involved in the running battles after the home match on November 25, 2017.

Pal Luke Wheeler, 23, admitted the less serious charge of affray in the town centre following the Welsh side’s 1-0 win. The men are said to have been in a group of Town fans who took part in organised violence with supporters of the away team.

Surry, of Churchill Close, Calne, has been under a football banning order in the past having been involved in fighting related to the beautiful game in September 2011.

Judge Robert Pawson adjourned the case until June for reports. He told Surry: “Don’t assume that the sentence will not be custody.”

The young man was bailed on the condition he does not attend any football match where the public has to pay for admission. While he could watch a Sunday league game in the park, he is banned from attending tonight’s away clash against Newport County.

The judge said: “If you want to watch football you are going to have to do it on television.”

Four other men face trial on a charge of violent disorder.