Supporter banned from ground until end of season
Carlisle United Football Club can confirm that a male has been banned from Brunton Park until the end of the current season following an incident with a pyrotechnic at the Exeter City away game on Saturday.
The game was stopped with just nine minutes played, as fire alarms were activated following the use of a pyrotechnic device in an enclosed space in the away area of the ground, and a male was apprehended and taken into custody following the incident.
Media officer Andy Hall said: “The matter remains in the hands of the authorities, but we have taken this step to send a further message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.
“The use of pyrotechnics within a stadium environment is reckless, irresponsible and potentially extremely dangerous. As was stated at the weekend, it simply has to stop. We will continue to do everything we can along with the authorities to stamp this out as we do not want it associated with our magnificent fans or this club in any way.”
“In this particular case, the ban we have imposed on the individual is an interim measure,” he continued. “The matter is with the police and we will now follow their lead as to what we do next once due process has taken its course.
“We would also ask anyone who thinks that using these devices at a game is acceptable to consider the implications of their actions. The primary concern will always be that it can cause injury and, at the very least, distress to those in the immediate vicinity.
“Clubs whose fans use the devices are subject to sanctions, both from the Football League and the FA, which brings a further financial cost, often significant in its nature.
“On Saturday we had the added factor that the game was minutes away from being called off. The cost to the club and its supporters runs into thousands of pounds when you consider that the game still has to be played on a rearranged date.
“If the club gains a reputation for having fans who misbehave in this way, policing costs are incurred where otherwise they would not have been needed. Ultimately it is the club and its fans who suffer from the actions of just a few selfish individuals.”
Click HERE for a reminder on the dangers of using pyrotechnics and on the club’s zero tolerance approach.
