Linfield Football Club is dealing with reputational damage caused by a small element of fans, according to chairman Roy McGivern. The Belfast club was fined €10,000 for racist and discriminatory behavior by its supporters and €2,000 for lighting fireworks in Windsor Park during their Champions League qualifier against Shelbourne. The Irish Premiership champions also received a partial stadium ban, which is suspended for two years. McGivern said this behavior has undoubtedly halted sponsorship deals at the club. He added that the club has tried to promote positive behaviors, but when big games come around, there is an element that seems determined to damage the club's reputation. The chairman revealed that sponsorship deals have not been secured because of the fines related to sectarian chanting. He said people have to realize the damage they are causing to the club they profess to love and support. McGivern also stated that it can be embarrassing to hear sectarian singing while at games, especially when sitting with sponsors and players from different backgrounds. He emphasized that it needs to stop and stop now, as it doesn't fit the proud name of the club. The club has issued lifetime bans to individuals where they have evidence of people engaging in this behavior. McGivern hopes the majority of fans will get behind the team and encourage those taking part in banned behavior to stop. The police have a big role in this, and if people are engaging in behavior that is criminal, they need to be prosecuted. The chairman said the club is intent on trying to educate their supporters and promote a positive atmosphere at games.