Lincoln City has been hit with an £8,500 fine by the FA after supporters directed sectarian chants at Wrexham's James McClean during their match on 3 May.
The club has accepted the charge and taken swift action, banning seven fans for various periods after reviewing CCTV footage and working with Lincolnshire Police.
Chief executive Liam Scully acknowledged the club's responsibility, stating they're "firmly committed to eradicating negative behaviour through a combination of education and sanctions."
The incidents were reported to the FA by anti-racism group Kick It Out on 7 May, prompting the investigation.
Lincoln City has been hit with an £8,500 fine by the FA after supporters directed sectarian chants at Wrexham's James McClean during their match on 3 May
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The chanting occurred twice during the match, around the 64th and 69th minutes, with supporters heard shouting "F*** the Pope and the IRA."
The FA's regulatory commission described it as "overtly discriminatory" and "sectarian chanting," though they noted it wasn't mass chanting and was short-lived on both occasions.
McClean has faced this type of abuse throughout his career due to his stance on not wearing a poppy around Remembrance Day.
The incident occurred when Lincoln City hosted Wrexham on May 3 2025
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The 36-year-old, who is from Derry's Creggan estate where Bloody Sunday occurred in 1972, has explained he can't honour those who carried out the shootings in his home city.
The FA has imposed an action plan on Lincoln City that includes setting up a system for fans to report abuse and developing an education programme with Kick It Out.
The club must also establish protocols for dealing with abuse aimed at players, managers and match officials.
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Speaking to BBC Radio Lincolnshire, Scully said he wants to maintain the "phenomenal atmosphere" at Sincil Bank whilst creating an inclusive environment.
"I believe and I know we can have an inclusive environment where everybody is happy, everybody is enjoyable, everybody's welcoming and the phenomenal atmosphere that we do have at Sincil Bank as well," he said.
Lincoln City chief executive said the club are looking to create an 'inclusive' atmosphere
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The club has announced an online forum for 7pm on Wednesday, November 19, where fans can discuss these matters and explore solutions together.
Scully revealed they're considering various measures, including stricter controls on away ticket sales and potentially closing parts of lower block seven in the GBM Stand.
He did however warn that fines and increased operational costs for extra CCTV, barriers and security staff would impact the club's finances, requiring cuts elsewhere.
The club is also in talks with the FA about alleged similar behaviour during their Carabao Cup match against Chelsea last month.