Lincolnshire Police called to Sir Halley Stewart Field as football away fans cause disturbance after Spalding United beat Banbury United 2-0

Football fans threw coins, set off flares and behaved like ‘hooligans’ after a match at the weekend, club officials have said.

Police were called to Spalding’s Sir Halley Stewart Field on Saturday after a group of 30 to 40 Banbury fans caused disruption after their side’s 2-0 drubbing by Spalding United.

Volunteer ground staff were ‘doused in beer’ and had abuse hurled at them by the group of away supporters, who were reported to be drunk.

General managers Jonathan and Victoria Barnett have given a clear message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated at the club.

Mrs Barnett said: “The match itself was brilliant and some fans were respectful, true footy fans.

“But the Banbury fans were non-compliant and some were there just to cause trouble.

“We were on alert as they were being very loud and vocal outside the gates and started throwing coins.”

The day after the match Mr Barnett took to social media to apologise to fans for the scenes seen outside the club.

He posted “It’s completely unacceptable and hope nothing like this happens again.”

The club’s next match is tomorrow (Tuesday, October 22) with a 7.45pm kick-off against Leiston and the club does not want fans to be put off coming to the ground.

Mrs Barnett added: “Our main concern is our fans and a message to those away fans is it will not be tolerated and they will be banned.

“That is not what Spalding United is about.

“We are a community and we are a safe space not to be tarnished by hooligans.”

The club’s managers are encouraging people to come along to tonight’s game despite the trouble and ensuring that families feel safe at the ground.

A spokesman for Lincolnshire Police say they were called to the ground shortly after 5pm on Saturday.

A force statement said: “Police attended following a call reporting a disturbance at the ground, involving supporters.

“We are investigating the incident to identify who was involved.

“No arrests have been made at this stage and no injuries were reported.”

The club managers praised the respectful fans on the day and assured families that the ground is a safe venue to visit.

Coun Dale Broughton said: “Staff and security dealt with the incidents very professionally and swiftly and prevented anything getting any more out of hand.

“At all times they put the supporters’ safety first.

“Such a shame a few idiots tried to ruin a good day at the club.”

Coffee mornings have restarted at the venue and Jonathan and Victoria recently dropped off pumpkins to care homes and schools.

Did you witness the disturbance? Post a comment below…