A CRACKDOWN to stamp out hooligan rugby fans has been unveiled.

Widnes Vikings have joined forces with Halton Council and the police to combat trouble at matches.

Six fans have been banned from Halton Stadium - a further five face the boot after appearing before Runcorn magistrates yesterday.

Identity cards will soon be introduced for all away matches to deter troublemakers infiltrating the stands.

Halton Council's legal banning order means blacklisted fans won't even be allowed to buy a pint in the social club or attend a wedding. If they breach the order, they could face civil action.

The move has been welcomed by fans.

Alan Ray, chairman of Vikings supporters' club, said: "I am 100 per cent behind it.

"I am bringing in ID cards, with passport photos for away trips.

"The majority of people want Widnes to do well, this nucleus of about 30 are only intent on causing trouble."

Harold Lynskey, Vikings general manager, said: "Let this be a message to anyone thinking they can cause trouble at any of our games, home or away, that they will be banned if they are found guilty, admit the offence in court, or receive a police caution.

Blacken

"We will not tolerate people who blacken the name of the club and the town.

"They are not welcome at Halton Stadium and their details will be forwarded to all the other Super League clubs in the near future."

Sgt Andy Delooze, of the community action team, said: "There is a multi-agency approach to this between ourselves, the council and the club to stamp out any disorder.

"We are fully supportive of the club's action, it will make policing these events a family affair."

Cllr Phil Harris, Halton Council's board member responsible for the stadium, said: "These banning orders should send the message loud and clear that Halton Council will not tolerate misconduct at Halton Stadium and is supporting moves to clamp down on unruly travelling fans.

"A safe and welcoming environment is important to all spectators and the newly revamped CCTV system at Halton Stadium is one of a number of package of measures to ensure this on match days."

Andrew Kirchin, Vikings media executive, said: "This is very much a family oriented sport. We have nearly 1,000 season ticket holders who are children and 30 per cent who are female.

"We are making a stance because we are fed up with a minority group of our supporters.

"The reaction of fans has been very supportive. They have commended the club for its stance."

Five men, three from Widnes and two from Warrington, appeared before Runcorn magistrates on Tuesday.

They face public order charges following disorder after a Widnes Warrington match at Halton Stadium on Sunday, August 18.

One youth offender appeared at a juvenile court last week, charged with a public order offence from the same incident.