The Football Association will be
contacting both Atherstone Town and Barrow for their observations on the
trouble which marred Saturday's FA Cup third qualifying round tie at
Sheepy Road.
With Atherstone trailing 4-0 at half-time to the Conference North side, a group of around 30 home supporters ran across the pitch and aggressively entered a section of the ground containing Barrow fans.
It emerged that one supporter managed to get as far as the Barrow dressing room door, where he threatened a player.
One elderly supporter was injured and
reported by bystanders to have been left bloodied, while Barrow
substitute Greg Mills, out on the pitch during the interval, was seen
tussling with an Atherstone fan after being confronted.
A flag belonging to the Barrow supporters was taken during the half-time altercation by Atherstone fans, who attempted to burn it.
The match was held up, with the start of the second half delayed by more than 10 minutes.
It finished 4-0 in Barrow's favour, with a number of away supporters seen departing soon after half-time.
On
Saturday night, Atherstone Town's board of directors issued a statement
condemning the 'behaviour of a small minority of mindless idiots' which had 'ruined... what should have been a great day' for the St Mary's Hospice Midland Football Combination club.
It is understood the FA will on Monday begin its review of the incidents, which will start with contacting both teams and also take in reports from match officials, as well as information from the local Warwickshire police.
Atherstone Town's
statement added the club are to co-operate with the authorities in a bid
to identify and prosecute the troublemakers as they look to 'rebuild
our good reputation'.
The statement concluded: 'We unreservedly apologise to any fan who had to witness the totally unacceptable scenes and behaviour.
'Although the Barrow directors, management team and most supporters understood that it was a mindless minority, Atherstone Town would like to apologise and of course, wish them well in the next round and for the rest of the season.
'This is not what Atherstone Town stand for nor operate as a club.'
'One man, who is not local, was injured but did not require medical treatment.
'Officers investigating the incident would like to hear from anyone who witnessed it and are particularly keen to have access to any photographs or video footage which may help them to identify anyone who was involved.'
Anyone with information is asked to contact Warwickshire Police on 101.
With Atherstone trailing 4-0 at half-time to the Conference North side, a group of around 30 home supporters ran across the pitch and aggressively entered a section of the ground containing Barrow fans.
It emerged that one supporter managed to get as far as the Barrow dressing room door, where he threatened a player.
Torn apart: Atherstone Town 'fans' rip up a
Barrow flag stolen from the away section after violence erupted during
half-time in Saturday's FA Cup third qualifying round tie at Sheepy Road
Thugs: Four Atherstone supporters charged across the pitch during half-time and attacked Barrow fans on the opposite side
A flag belonging to the Barrow supporters was taken during the half-time altercation by Atherstone fans, who attempted to burn it.
The match was held up, with the start of the second half delayed by more than 10 minutes.
It finished 4-0 in Barrow's favour, with a number of away supporters seen departing soon after half-time.
Scrap: Barrow substitute Greg Mills was attacked
by some of the Atherstone supporters as he warmed up on the pitch
during the half-time interval
condemning the 'behaviour of a small minority of mindless idiots' which had 'ruined... what should have been a great day' for the St Mary's Hospice Midland Football Combination club.
It is understood the FA will on Monday begin its review of the incidents, which will start with contacting both teams and also take in reports from match officials, as well as information from the local Warwickshire police.
Invasion: The group of Atherstone fans who attacked the Barrow section swelled to about 30
Disgrace: The start of the second half was delayed by 10 minutes before Barrow eventually ran out 4-0 winners
The statement concluded: 'We unreservedly apologise to any fan who had to witness the totally unacceptable scenes and behaviour.
'Although the Barrow directors, management team and most supporters understood that it was a mindless minority, Atherstone Town would like to apologise and of course, wish them well in the next round and for the rest of the season.
'This is not what Atherstone Town stand for nor operate as a club.'
Red mist: Atherstone fans let off flares during
the FA Cup third qualifying round tie. They were the lowest ranked side
left in the competition
Fair play: The two teams shake hands prior to
kick-off but were mismatched on the field as Conference North Barrow
established a four-goal lead by half-time
A Warwickshire Police spokesman said:
'A number of fans went on to the pitch at half-time and scuffles broke
out, causing the match to be stopped temporarily.'One man, who is not local, was injured but did not require medical treatment.
'Officers investigating the incident would like to hear from anyone who witnessed it and are particularly keen to have access to any photographs or video footage which may help them to identify anyone who was involved.'
Anyone with information is asked to contact Warwickshire Police on 101.
Soggy: The match at Sheepy Road was played out under floodlights because of the pouring rain
In front: Barrow score the first of their four goals as they progressed with ease into the final qualifying round
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