Carlisle United could put restrictions on away tickets amid "fan incident" concerns

The controversial step has been raised as a possibility by the club amid further details of incidents the Blues say are causing concern.

The warning comes in the wake of the decision to cordon off a section of the Paddock terrace behind the dugouts at Brunton Park.

That move – amid investigations over coin-throwing allegations at last month's home game against Leyton Orient – has led to a backlash from some supporters, who have described it as an overreaction.

The Blues have now given more details of the area behind the dugouts which will be out of bounds to supporters - an area five steps high and one bay wide (ten metres).

And minutes from United’s latest supporters groups (CUSG) meeting see club officials underline their message over fan behaviour.

READ MORE: Blues face backlash over Paddock decision as trust make statement

Directors say the Blues have been summoned to a meeting with police and are facing increased costs.

United say seven arrests of Carlisle fans were made at away games against Hartlepool United and Stockport County, “all those arrested being over 18.”

They also say "liquid" was thrown over a player in the Stockport game.

Chief executive Nigel Clibbens said that, if things do not improve, “we will need to look at further measures" including "draconian" steps on away games.

“Nothing is off the table, including restricting tickets for away games [for instance to season-ticket holders only] and stopping the ability to pay on the day,” he said.

The Football Association is investigating alleged incidents at recent games, with Carlisle setting out some of the areas of recent concern today.

In a monthly ‘club update’, the Blues say: “There were issues from our fans at Hartlepool including a flare, some new damage to seats and toilets, a pitch incursion and public disorder.

“[There were] allegations of coins thrown versus [Leyton] Orient and highly aggressive and abusive behaviour in the away dug out area of the Paddock.

A section of the Paddock terrace behind the dugouts is being cordoned off (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“Liquid was thrown over a player at Stockport. From away fans there has been flares and incursions and a firework.

“Arrests are up and reports of bad behaviour and concerns being raised by our fans to the club are up. This is real and these events are happening – it is not just other clubs.

“It is not a joke or funny to throw drinks, or anything else over opposition players, or at their staff. This is not acceptable. It is dangerous and damaging to the club and has consequences for all fans and, in the end, impacts on the team.

“We have had contact from the FA about the Orient and Stockport incidents and are facing potential misconduct charges and fines.

“We have been called to a meeting with Cumbria Police and face increased policing costs.” He added that United were looking for the support of various fan groups to "call out" bad behaviour, but added that the most recent game at Tranmere had passed "without incidents."

READ MORE: Carlisle United to close section of Paddock after 'fan incidents'

United’s decision to cordon off a section of the Paddock for the foreseeable future has been criticised by some fans who feel they are being punished through no fault of their own.

Others have questioned why the measure was taken when the coin-throwing, as referred to by Orient manager Richie Wellens, remains an allegation under investigation, without a conclusion or evidence in the public domain so far.

As well as cordoning off the area of the Paddock, Carlisle say more response stewards are being hired with body cameras.

“The football authorities expect clubs and fans to sort issues out,” added Clibbens, while finance director Suzanne Kidd told the CUSG meeting that “some fans were being less co-operative this season.

Nigel Clibbens, centre, commented on the measures in a club update and a supporters' groups meeting (Image: Richard Parkes)

“There had been issues with vaping and alcohol. There was more abuse towards staff and stewards.

“A pyrotechnic device was found at the last home game. The police have reported worsening behaviour amongst fans.”

“The club brands itself as ‘family friendly’,” said Kidd, “but current issues undermine that. There was a strong need to call out negative behaviour.”

United also said the behaviour of away fans at Brunton Park was “worsening” too, and that “tougher stewarding” had been introduced in the away section.

Fan director Nigel Davidson from CUOSC told the meeting it was “everyone’s responsibility to help fix the issues even if they haven’t created the problem.”

In a statement yesterday CUOSC said they supported the Paddock decision “with a heavy heart”.

The CUSG meeting minutes do not indicate whether any group challenged or disagreed with the measures to be introduced on the popular terrace.

Clibbens, meanwhile, said there would be “increased messaging” about the issues.

And he added in the club update: “For any people who behave in an offensive, anti-social or unacceptable manner, the message is clear – we will not tolerate illegal or dangerous behaviour. If you do, you will now be dealt with through a combination of police action and automatic club bans.

“We hope fans will respond and the minority gets back to the high standards we have seen before. If they can’t, just stay away from CUFC.”

The meeting minutes say there are similar issues at various clubs and, when supporter liaison officer Simon Clarkson asked "if drugs was part of the problem", the minutes say: "According to the police and the FA, they are. The EFL is providing clubs with advice on drug issues at games."

The News & Star has invited directors to comment further on the Paddock decision in light of the backlash from some fans.

The FA have so far declined to comment on their ongoing investigations, while we have not received a response from Hartlepool to questions about the alleged damage to seats at last month's game.

The full CUSG minutes and club update can be found on the club website.