Young Carlisle United fans have hit out at a “minority” of people who snapped, threw and removed flags which had been paid for by a crowdfunding initiative.

The teenage Warwick Road End supporters had arranged the flags to boost the atmosphere at the Blues’ biggest league attendance for 15 years.

But those behind the @warwickroadend initiative said the day had ended on a sour note with the damage caused.

In a social media post after the Tranmere Rovers game on Good Friday, they said: “Great win at BP in the sun, which takes us back into the automatic promotion places, yet a small minority in the WRE ruined it for the rest of us.

“It is not acceptable to snap and throw flag poles around for a number of reasons. These flags took a long time to design, order and set up at the ground only to be destroyed by small-minded idiots today.

“We didn’t even get to half-time before they were being launched onto the pitch by our so called “fans” and having to be removed from the pitch by stewards and even our own goalkeeper.

“As well as this, people walked away up Warwick Road with flags after the game.

“For reference, the flags ruined today cost over £500 from our real fans’ hard-earned money that we raised from the gofundme earlier this year.

“Following this, unfortunately the flags will not be in use for our game against Northampton Town.

“Regardless of all that has happened today, we would like to thank the club for their co-operation in making our vision become reality.”

The @warwickroadend fans later said they had been contacted by some who had taken flags with a promise to return them.

The young supporters, who have been at the forefront of efforts to boost the atmosphere and colour of Carlisle’s home end recently, had arranged the flags along with large banners for Friday’s game.

They also urged fellow fans to help create a “sea of blue and white” and help inspire Paul Simpson’s team.

The young fans also recently gave up their half-term holidays to paint the Warwick Road End, whilst some of the supporters were also involved in tidying up the Waterworks End ahead of Friday’s game.

United boss Simpson had spoken ahead of the 2-0 victory about his appreciation for the young supporters.

“It’s absolutely enormous for the club,” he said of their efforts.

“We’ve got a wonderful fanbase, we really have, and I talk about future of the club and making sure we build it and make it stronger.

“Young fans are the future of us, ones we need to keep with us, encourage them, and hopefully younger fans can give some enthusiasm to people like me who are not classed in the younger bracket…”