Carlisle United's supporters' trust have issued a statement urging fans to support efforts to stamp out bad behaviour by a small minority of "idiots" at Brunton Park.

CUOSC's board says the club is "constantly being dragged into the mud" by incidents in the ground.

The fan group have called on supporters to report incidents of antisocial behaviour so that United are not harmed by such incidents in various ways.

The comments from the trust follow the recent incident involving Port Vale goalkeeper Connor Ripley, who said he was told to "go and hang yourself" by a young fan in the Warwick Road End.

Previous incidents in the home terrace have involved pyrotechnics, fireworks, damage to banners and racist chanting.

CUOSC stressed it was a minority of people responsible for all the above, and acknowledged the great efforts by a host of young fans to revitalise United's home end.

But they added that the recent pattern of events cannot be allowed to continue.

"In light of recent and recurring incidents at Brunton Park the CUOSC board want to appeal to all Carlisle United fans to assist in putting a stop to antisocial behaviour at matches," the trust's statement said.

"Unfortunately, whilst these incidents may only be the actions of a few individuals, behaviour like this paints the club and ALL fans in a far from favourable light.

"At this time of great change under the new regime at Brunton Park there are so many positives around the club right now, yet we are constantly being dragged back into the mud by a small minority of people, who appear unable to behave themselves properly in one way or another."

CUOSC say that, while fans are within their rights to make Brunton Park an uncomfortable place for opponents, "a line has most definitely been crossed" on several occasions.

And the trust said the consequences of such behaviour were clear, both financially and to the club's reputation.

"Firstly, as Connor Ripley alluded to in his social media post following the Port Vale game, you have no idea what someone is going through and what a remark like that could do to them if they are in a fragile situation," CUOSC said.

News and Star: CUOSC issued a statement this morningCUOSC issued a statement this morning (Image: CUOSC)

"Secondly, word travels fast in this modern age of social media. Carlisle United, as a football club, are constantly recruiting new staff, especially players. We all want the best footballers available to play for Carlisle United.

"Recruitment proves difficult enough without adding another barrier. If it is a close-run thing between signing for Carlisle United and going elsewhere, perhaps not wanting to represent fans who behave in this manner may just put a thumb on the scale.

"Finally, some basic maths. Fines for poor behaviour + fines for pyrotechnics + increased policing/stewarding costs = less money to spend on players and improving the club."

CUOSC said United spend "a significant amount" on policing and stewarding, "but this seemingly is not sufficient.

"We as supporters need to take action ourselves to assist in eradicating incidents of antisocial and dangerous behaviour."

CUOSC urged fans who witness inappropriate behaviour to speak to a steward, police officer or club representative at the game, contact United's supporter liaison officer anonymously by call or text via 07891779015, or email the club at one of the following addresses: kickitout@carlisleunited.co.uk; slo@carlisleunited.co.uk; edi@carlisleunited.co.uk; enquiries@carlisleunited.co.uk

"We would urge anyone to come forward, at the time if possible, so that antisocial behaviour can be dealt with as soon as possible and the relevant sanctions taken against the individuals involved," the statement continued.

"CUOSC will fully support the club in dealing with anyone found to be involved in such behaviour in the strongest manner available to them.

"There has been some brilliant work done by our fans over the last couple of seasons, especially the Warwick Road End Group, to make going to games at Brunton Park a better experience – let’s not allow a few idiots to spoil that."

Some Blues fans have criticised the standard of the stewarding at United in light of some of the Warwick Road End incidents.

The Blues admitted the abuse of Ripley in the January 1 game was "clearly prolonged". Police last week said a 13-year-old had been given an interim ban by the club whilst enquiries continued.