News and Star readers were outraged by a group of Carlisle United fans who vandalised a football stadium whilst playing away at Hartlepool.

Police say they are investigating after seats were damaged at Carlisle United’s away game against Hartlepool United.

The damaged areas included a disabled section in the away end at Victoria Park.

Sarah Brown said: “These are clearly not ‘fans’ it’s absolutely shameful. I hope they are identified and suitably punished and banned from ALL football and sporting events.”

Ann Little said: “Shocking. Hopefully they will be found and banned and made to pay for the damage, there is no excuse for this vandalism.”

Sandie Carruthers said: “It gives us proper fans a bad name. Luckily the majority aren’t like this.”

Karen Fairclough said: “They should pay for the damage as well as being banned from ever going to another game. We have been in a pandemic for over a year and the minute the hooligans get a chance to go back to the sport this is what they do.”

Sandy Graves said: “They’re definitely not fans and should be named, shamed and banned.”

Images of the damage were shared on social media after Saturday’s game.

It has left Pools facing the task of repairing the mindless damage which was inflicted during the League Two game, which the home side won 2-1.

Cumbria Police have now said they are working with their Cleveland counterparts on the matter.

Police who travelled from Cumbria to work at the game used their dedicated Twitter account to comment on the situation on Sunday afternoon.

“This behaviour is not acceptable and not that which represents the majority of Carlisle supporters,” they said.

The force added that an “ongoing investigation” with Cleveland Police will be conducted, while “other work in the background” will be done alongside Carlisle United, supporters’ trust CUOSC and the Blues’ supporters’ liaison officer.

What are your thoughts?