Officials at Carlisle United have warned hooligans they could face football bans if they cause trouble when the Blues travel to Hartlepool today.

Blues bosses are urging fans not to misbehave ahead of a derby day match before an expected big crowd.

Staff have called on fans to be passionate and roar the team on.

The game comes as United ride high in League Two, with the club sitting in the play off places, despite a slump in form.

Andy Hall, media officer, told The Cumberland News: "This is a game that both sets of fans look forward to and it is classed as a local derby.

"By and large everyone enjoys it.

"We want people to come along and be passionate but do it properly.

"We're confident that they won't cause trouble and will see it as an end of season high.

"We know spirits will be high. We know the crowd will be noisy.

"If we do find anyone causing trouble we will back police with the necessary punishments.

"We have a good reputation as a travelling club and we want to keep it that way."

Hooligans causing trouble at football matches can face measures such as being banned from soccer stadiums.

In the past in fixtures between these two teams, fans have been arrested for possession of pyrotechnics - flares - public disorder, invading the pitch and drunkenness.

Mr Hall added: "We've sold 1,035 tickets for today's game and that does not surprise me.

"When the fixtures come out we always look to see when this one is and the fans do the same.

"It's fantastic rivalry."

The Blues play at home on Monday against Stevenage.

"These are massive games," said Mr Hall.

"Two games in four days and this will set the tone for the play offs."

A spokesman for Cumbria Police said: "We have been working - and will continue to work - with colleagues at Cleveland Police, in relation to football policing.

"The majority of Carlisle United’s away fans can be relied upon to support their club in a positive way, which does their club and their city proud.

"We’ll be working with Cleveland Police to help them ensure that everyone attending the game can enjoy what will hopefully be a great match."

Both games kick off at 3pm.