Carlisle United to close section of the Paddock at Brunton Park after fan 'incidents'

The Blues have announced that areas directly behind the home and away dugouts will be cordoned off “fore the foreseeable future”.

They say the measures, starting at this weekend’s FA Cup first round tie against Tranmere Rovers, come after a number of recent incidents.

But the decision has also been met with a backlash from a number of supporters who disagree with the decision.

United are currently under Football Association investigation, with alleged incidents at the end of last month’s 3-2 defeat to Leyton Orient coming under scrutiny.

After that game the visiting manager Richie Wellens claimed coins had been thrown at him by Blues fans, and that he faced “vile abuse”.

Carlisle pledged to investigate that incident, with the FA also looking into that and other recent events.

READ MORE: Fans' trust condemn 'tiny minority' of supporters

Ahead of any potential FA action, United have now announced their own measures at Brunton Park.

A statement said: “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.

Nigel Clibbens, second left (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“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.”

United’s chief executive Nigel Clibbens said the club have seen “an increase in behaviour that is not acceptable both at home and away games.”

He added: “The actions of a tiny minority are damaging the club, and this has consequences for everyone.

READ MORE: Orient boss: fans threw coins and abused my family at Carlisle game

“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 [supporters’ groups] this week.

Last month's defeat to Leyton Orient has come under scrutiny (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“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. 

A necessary step that had to be taken. The throwing of objects is dangerous, illegal and can have severe consequences. This has no place in football, or anywhere 👇 https://t.co/P1QxdxPlfq

— Carlisle United Supporter Liaison Officer (@CUFC_SLO) November 3, 2022

“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.”

The News & Star has invited the FA to comment on the investigations. They have not yet commented, with the investigations understood to be ongoing.

Unitd's supporter liaison officer, Simon Clarkson, endorsed the club's actions. Writing on Twitter, he said it was "a necessary step that had to be taken.

"The throwing of objects is dangerous, illegal and can have severe consequences. This has no place in football, or anywhere."

But some fans on Twitter have voiced their objection to the decision, describing it an "overreaction".

Some supporters have criticised the move, claiming there has so far been no clear evidence made public regarding Wellens' allegations or other apparent incidents.

United will publish their latest CUSG minutes on Friday, following discussions about the matter this week.