CHESTER FC have confirmed an "initial eight individuals" have been issued with indefinite club bans from the club, following ugly scenes which marred the National League North play-off semi-final on May 7.

The Blues lost the match against Brackley Town 1-0 to put an end to a season which had seen them finish third in the table under manager Calum McIntyre, who was this week named Vanarama National League North Manager of the Season 2022/23.

But some of the 4,479 crowd then chose to invade the pitch after the final whistle, rushing towards the 242 Brackley supporters – who were cheering their team – in the away end.

Despite having been told not to enter the pitch, and not to carry pyrotechnics, smoke bombs could be seen to be thrown between the two sets of supporters.

Police confirmed criminal damage had also been caused to coaches parked outside the stadium.

The disorder meant the Blues felt unable to allow McIntyre or the Chester FC squad back out on to the pitch to thank the well-behaved fans for their support throughout the season.

The club has now confirmed a police investigation is under way and has been contacted by the FA and Safety Advisory Group, with potential sanctions for the club to follow.

The club statement, published on Thursday, May 11, reads: "An initial eight individuals have today been issued with indefinite club bans from Chester FC following the crowd disorder that marred our National League North play-off semi-final with Brackley Town on May 7.

"Cheshire Police has commenced its investigation, and the football club is continuing to work with the authorities to identify those responsible, with further bans and potential criminal prosecutions to follow.

"The club bans prevent these individuals from entering the Deva Stadium and information will be shared with other clubs to stop them attending away fixtures.

"We reiterate our apologies to Brackley Town and the message to anyone who threatened the safety of their supporters is clear: you should expect to be identified, held to account and are not welcome at our club.

"Following this incident, the club has been contacted by The FA and the Safety Advisory Group who have a range of sanctions available to them, including substantial fines and restrictions on supporters attending future fixtures.

"For those with the best interests of Chester FC at heart, this has been a traumatic event and one that will take time for the club and those affected to recover from. We are angry that genuine fans have been left questioning their support for the club and parents having to reassure children that it is safe to watch their team.

"Over recent seasons, we have worked incredibly hard to promote Chester FC as a family club and make the Deva Stadium a friendly, welcoming place to watch football. Without doubt, the deplorable actions of a minority have damaged this progress, but we know these individuals do not reflect our club or its values.

"Further updates on the investigation will be provided when available.

"Anyone with any information relating to the disorder at the end of the match with Brackley Town should contact Cheshire Police on 101, or visit www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us, quoting IML 1539302."