Carlisle United's directors insist that displaying banners against the manager or regime is not in itself grounds for throwing fans out of Brunton Park.

Supporters who brandished a "Curle Out" banner before last weekend's FA Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday were removed from the ground.

But the Blues hierarchy say there were other reasons why those particular fans were asked to leave the ground.

United said there was an "ongoing police matter" surrounding the incident and so they were currently unable to comment in detail.

But finance director Suzanne Kidd said: "The ejection wasn't to do with the banner."

Chief executive Nigel Clibbens added that the banner was "absolutely not" the reason the fans were ejected, even if he disagreed with the fact it was displayed.

Asked to comment more generally on the club's stance on banners that criticise the club, Clibbens said: "We know fans can get frustrated.

"It's part and parcel, and the relationship between club and fans is that, on one side, fans give you loyalty through thick and thin - often through lots of thin.

"With that comes a responsibility that their voice can be heard.

"So [it's not the case] that the banner was there and we wanted it down."

Kidd said there were certain rules on where banners and flags could be displayed, adding they were not allowed to be placed on segregation netting or in front of advertising hoardings.

There were also fire safety rules about the materials such banners were made of, she added.

Speaking at a directors' press conference at Brunton Park this morning - a new initiative by the club designed to give fans more information about United affairs - Clibbens said anyone still eager to display a banner at Brunton Park should discuss it with the club.

He said: "If people want to display that, we've got an open-door policy.

"Come and tell us, and we'll find a way of letting them make their point in the way they need to - hopefully one that doesn't distract from us winning a football match.

"It [last Saturday] was a big game for us. Win it and it could affect the rest of the season.

"My personal view was that if that needed to be done, not at kick-off for a big game. It didn't help anybody. It becomes a distraction."

United's club charter for 2017/18 includes a policy on flags and banners.

It says: "Flags of any size that are attached to wooden or metal poles, or rigid plastic tubing, are NOT permitted.

"Small hand held size flags on plastic handles (as sold in club shop) are acceptable.

"Small to medium sized flags that can be hung downwards from a single crush barrier in the standing areas are acceptable. However, they are NOT allowed to be hung over the pitch perimeter walls in any part of the ground as they obscure the advertising hoardings.

"Large flags in standing areas are NOT allowed as they can obscure views of the crowd, especially the activities of anyone intent on causing trouble.

"In seated areas only small or medium size flags that have been made out of flame retardant material or have been fire proofed, and there is a valid certificate of authenticity, will be permitted in these areas. In addition they can only be positioned on seats not occupied or along the back wall of the grandstand.

"Large flags, or those not fire proofed, can be hung on the crush barriers in the Petteril End if the area is not in use. This applies to both sets of supporters and can be arranged with the Supervisor on the day.

"Flags with signs, slogans or messages that are considered to be unsuitable or offensive will be refused entry at the discretion of the Safety Officer."