Barrow AFC say the fan who threw a firework onto the pitch during the Carlisle United game will be banned from their ground for life.

The shocking incident happened in the third minute of the Papa John's Trophy game at Holker Street.

A firework was launched from the home end and landed in the United penalty area.

The game was held up for 17 minutes as the incident was investigated.

An arrest was made and the Bluebirds issued a statement after the game which they won 2-0.

READ MORE: Arrest made after firework incident at Barrow-Carlisle game

The statement said: "During tonight’s Papa John’s Trophy game against Carlisle United, an incident occurred which resulted in a firework being thrown onto the playing surface.

"Barrow Association Football Club has a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour, including the use of pyrotechnics, and strongly condemns this behaviour.

"After working with Barrow Police, a suspect has been identified and arrested and will be consequently be banned for life from the SO Legal Stadium.

"Barrow Association Football Club must emphasise that we do not want to be associated with these people and they are not welcome at the SO Legal Stadium.

"A live investigation is underway, and if anyone has any information in relation to the incident please contact PC Rickie Wallbank, the dedicated Football Officer for the Club on rickie.wallbank@cumbria.police.uk

"As result of this, the club will now be looking to implement measures to ensure this incident does not happen again."

Carlisle manager Paul Simpson, speaking after the game, condemned the "idiot" responsible.

He said things could have been more serious as goalkeeper Michael Kelly, the player nearest to the firework as it landed, was initially going to walk towards it, thinking it was a flare.

Nobody was hurt in the incident but Simpson went on to blast the "absolute clown" responsible and said he hopes they face punishment.

"That is just a brainless thing to do," he told the News & Star. "I don't get what enjoyment that idiot has got out of that.

"I really hope, if he has been caught, he gets dealt with with the strongest possible action."

Home boss Pete Wild said he was "appalled" by the incident and offered his apologies to Carlisle.