Carlisle ban supporter for causing fire scare at Exeter

Carlisle United have identified the fan who released a smoke grenade at their match with Exeter, and banned him from attending matches for the rest of the season.

The smoke grenade caused fire safety officials at St James Park to alert the referee to suspend the match and then followed through with an evacuation of supporters from the stands to the relative safety of the football pitch.

As a result the match was delayed by more than an hour, leading to the Cumbrians taking action and releasing the following comments through club media officer Andy Hall.

“The matter remains in the hands of the authorities, but we have taken this step to send a further message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated,” said Hall.

“The use of pyrotechnics within a stadium environment is reckless, irresponsible and potentially extremely dangerous.

“As was stated at the weekend, it simply has to stop. We will continue to do everything we can along with the authorities to stamp this out as we do not want it associated with our magnificent fans or this club in any way.

“In this particular case, the ban we have imposed on the individual is an interim measure. The matter is with the police and we will now follow their lead as to what we do next once due process has taken its course.”

On Monday, Plymouth Argyle confirmed a fan had been banned for life for releasing a smoke grenade that triggered the stadium’s fire alarms during their match against south coast rivals Exeter City.