Barnsley chairman Maurice Watkins has expressed his concerns about the behaviour of a 'small minority' of the club's fans.
The Reds have recently topped a list of League One clubs for the number of fans arrested on matchdays for anti-social behaviour and public order offences. The club have confirmed that their yearly police bill is £200,000, roughly four times that of other League One clubs.
In his column in this week's Barnsley Chronicle, Watkins says: "Once again I would like to thank the supporters. They have been with us all the way and it is a significant plus for us to have the fourth best away following in the division.
"But, unfortunately, I do need to draw attention to a serious behavioural issue caused by a small minority. The result of this, besides harming the reputation of the club, is increased policing costs. The club's total police bill equates to the cost of a Josh Scowen or Conor Hourihane.
"I accept that it is unfair to tarnish an unbelievable majority with the actions of a small group but we cannot lose sight of the fact that this small group damages the club's reputation and puts its finances under unnecessary strain."
In his column, Watkins also reveals details about the club's new kit and gives some candid thoughts on the 2014/15 season.
See this week's back page for the full column.
