Carlisle United Football Club can confirm that from Saturday onwards, and for the foreseeable future, the areas immediately behind the home and away dugouts in the Paddock terraced area will be cordoned off and will not be accessible to supporters.
The club is currently facing two FA investigations relating to incidents at home and away games involving individuals connected to the club in our supporter areas, with behaviour at the end of the recent Orient home game adjacent to the tunnel of particular serious concern.
Whilst recognising that our fans are magnificent, which is demonstrated week in, week out, we also have to recognise that the negative actions of a very, very small number have serious consequences which affect everybody, and we have to do whatever we can to ensure that Brunton Park is a safe and welcoming environment for all.
People who behave in an offensive, anti-social or unacceptable manner will be dealt with through a combination of police action and automatic club bans.
Chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: “We have seen an increase in behaviour that is not acceptable both at home and away games.
“The actions of a tiny minority are damaging the club, and this has consequences for everyone. The football authorities require that we take action and, as a community club, we therefore must address this.
“This decision has not been taken lightly. We discussed behaviour issues at length with representatives of CUSG this week.
“We understand that some fans may well have stood in that area for many years. It is also true that it is the tiny minority and their actions that affect the majority, and fans who are unconnected to this behaviour are subsequently affected.
“We are sorry it has come to this but behaviour matters. The club must act responsibly and now take action.
“We hope fans will respond and that this marks a line, and we get back to our high standards.
“But fans also need to understand, if we don’t see an improvement, and incidents continue to occur, we will need to look at further measures.”
