Carlisle United have denied claims that a fan planning to protest at Brunton Park tomorrow has been banned from the ground.

The Blues used Twitter to describe as "false" the suggestion they had contacted the supporter to inform him he would not be allowed at the stadium.

A post from the @united_protest Twitter account, which has been urging supporters to protest at the FA Cup tie against Shrewsbury Town, alleged that the supporter behind it had been contacted by the club directly with warning that he was "banned from entering CUFC property from 1pm onwards".

United, though, dismissed this claim, writing on Twitter: "This is incorrect, no ban has been issued. This is a false claim. We’ve asked who contacted him but the tweet was deleted and we were blocked.

"We understand the desire to protest but request anything done is peaceful & does not disrupt the game or distract the team from winning."

The fan behind the Twitter account, Darren Wilson, has now claimed it was "hacked" and that he was not responsible for the message claiming he had been banned.

The account is not currently active.

The Blues have also announced that "significantly increased" safety measures will be in place before the game, including bag searches, and advised fans to expect delays when entering the stadium.

It comes amid suggestions that fans could bring tennis balls to use as part of protests.

United said on Twitter: "Please arrive early tomorrow - there will be significantly increased safety measures in place which will mean bags will be searched before you can enter the ground. We expect delays when entering the stadium. Safety of all supporters is our priority."

They are the latest developments on a day when the possibility of protests at Brunton Park has been a major talking point.

Wilson, via a ‘Carlisle United Protest’ Twitter account @united_protest and a Facebook group, has urged supporters to bring banners and tennis balls to Brunton Park before the FA Cup second round tie against Shrewsbury.

It is not clear how many supporters are planning to take part.

Wilson said protests were needed because the Blues have gone “to the brink of the Championship to the brink of losing our Football League status” under the current owners.

“We want to show them now that enough is enough, this is OUR club and not their club,” he said.

He said the protest would start at 1.30pm outside Brunton Park's main entrance.

United have faced criticism from fans this season over the team’s lowly position and the ongoing ownership “succession” saga, which remains unresolved.

Some fans held up an anti-board banner in the Warwick Road End at last weekend’s victory over Walsall, while there were chants against the club hierarchy during the game.

News and Star: Carlisle United's chief executive Nigel Clibbens last week said protests would make it harder for the Blues to sign players and climb the table (photo: Richard Parkes)Carlisle United's chief executive Nigel Clibbens last week said protests would make it harder for the Blues to sign players and climb the table (photo: Richard Parkes)

Some fans have also been using social media to share anti-board messages urging the "custodian" owners to sell the club.

Chief executive Nigel Clibbens last week said that protests would be counter-productive.

In a Facebook post, he said such protest would make it harder for the club to sign players and climb the table.

The director said: "I see the growing calls for fan action against the board, demos, boycotts etc, and I just would say this...

"I understand and feel the helplessness of some fans and the desire to force change because promise of change have not become reality.

"[I] honestly believe damage from fighting that battle now could be irreparable.

"That fight now definitely won’t help us rise up the league, and it’s hard to see how it would do anything but make it more difficult in getting players in or winning.

"The only thing that matters from until the end of this season is doing all we all can to get up table. Full stop. Anything that risks that will do the club no good.”

Clibbens added he “understands fans' frustrations, worries and fears” and that the message was also heard in the boardroom, where directors’ "understand what fans think and what fans need and want from them".

Manager Keith Millen last week urged fans to get behind the team and leave their frustrations "in the bar".

Clibbens and supporters' trust CUOSC have since issued further statements today spelling out the financial risks the club could face if games are disrupted by protestors.