A group of fans accused of verbally abusing a football club’s controversial owner and manager have been banned from the club.

The nine supporters have been banned from Carshalton Athletic’s War Memorial Sports Ground as an on-going dispute with the club’s owner Paul Dipre continues to escalate.

The owner has been a figure of controversy at the non league side, after parting company with a string of managers before appointing himself as head coach in March this year.

After buying the club in 2008 he was accused of wielding too much power, changing the club’s badge and the colour of its kit – to the anger of fans adhering to the traditions of the club.

Since taking charge of the team he has been criticised further by some supporters – but a barrage of abuse at a recent home match led the chairman to ban a group of fans for displaying antisocial behaviour.

The supporters claim they are being gagged by the owner, who cannot accept criticism.

But Mr Dipre said the bans were because the language used was not acceptable at a family club, and had distressed club staff, players, and supporters. About 300 fans attend each home game.

Mr Dipre said: “I understand people may not agree with this [his managing the club] and I have no problem in them protesting, but when it becomes abusive and affects other people at [the ground in] Colston Avenue then it becomes unacceptable.

“The abusive language took place on several occasions in front of young children, elderly fans and families.”

The fans have been told they have the chance to return to watch the club if they submit a written defence to the allegations, sign and agree to abide by a strict code of conduct, and agree to attend an individual hearing about their actions.

One fan has been allowed back at matches while awaiting a hearing but others are refusing to participate.

A source close to the club said: “I am sympathetic to both sides but this ongoing situation is harming the reputation of this club and the good things that have been happening on and off the pitch.”