SOUTHEND United have confirmed banners will not be allowed into Roots Hall.

Frustrated Shrimpers supporters contacted Echosport in the aftermath of Saturday’s match with York City complaining that ‘Martin Out’ banners had not been let into the stadium.

But a Shrimpers spokesman has confirmed the decision has been made due to safety concerns after what happened against Chesterfield last season when supporters worked their way onto the pitch.

He said: We recognise supporters’ right to peacefully protest, however, supporter and staff safety is of paramount importance to us.

“Last season, we allowed banners into the stadium and, it resulted in safety issues and substantial disorder. 

“Supporters left their seats, climbed over the wall on to the perimeter of the pitch. 

“On one occasion supporters walked up and down the pitch side with the banner and on another occasion supporters entered the pitch using the banner as a barrier to push our staff out of the way, assaulting our staff in the process.

“In addition, at least one supporter was injured in the melee.  

“We have learnt some lessons and taken advice and we are not going to do anything to compromise supporter and staff safety. 

"No banners will be permitted in the stadium.”

But the Southend Fan Update group have urged stewards inside the group to consider their next move.

“We can’t win this fight on our own,” the group said.

“If the club staff are happy to gleefully carry out the orders of a man who refuses to pay them their hard earned fair wage, we certainly won’t be going out of our way to change that.

“The staff need to choose a side.

“We would love that to be us supporters who are trying to gain them fair treatment.”