BARROW AFC have released a statement condemning the behaviour of an isolated group of their supporters during Saturday’s pre-season friendly with Blackburn Rovers.

Stewards, and home supporters, were forced to intervene as a small group of youngsters clashed with the Rovers supporters who were also situated in the terracing behind the goal on the Holker Street End.

The incident happened during the second half of the pre-season friendly in which Rovers won 2-1.

Barrow say they have video footage of the incident and will work with their stewards, and the police, to identify those responsible.

Barrow police, via social media, said one arrest was made, adding: “We will work with the club. Bans and criminal convictions could follow.”

A club statement said: “On what was an exciting start to our 2017/18 season with a pre-season opener against Blackburn Rovers, the club was extremely disappointed by the behaviour of some individuals in the ground who had no interest in watching a game of football.

“Barrow AFC would like to make it clear that those involved are in no way true supporters of the club, and we are extremely proud and grateful to our true supporters, who stepped in to help resolve the situation.

“We have full video footage of the incident and will work with both our stewards and the police to identify those involved.

“Action will be taken on anyone found to be involved, including a season long ban from the Furness Building Society Stadium for the most egregious offenders.

“Everyone at the club including the staff, players and supporters are working hard to progress on and off the pitch, and we do not need incidents like this to ruin this progress, and the name of the club and the town.

“If you have any information regarding the identities of these individuals, please contact the club from 9am tomorrow morning on 01229 666010 or email us at office@barrowafc.com. Any information passed on to us will be handled in strict confidence.”

A total of 481 Rovers fans made the trip to Cumbria in a crowd of 891.