Carlisle United today placed restrictions on play-off ticket sales – because Bradford City fans were trying to buy tickets in home sections of Brunton Park.

The Blues limited online sales in an attempt to prevent visiting fans trying to infiltrate home areas of the ground.

The Bantams have already sold out their official allocation of 1,886 away tickets in the Pioneer Stand for the semi-final second leg this Saturday.

United today used social media to inform home supporters of the measures they were taken to prevent fans of Mark Hughes’ side getting into other area of the ground.

“Due to Bradford fans now trying to buy tickets in home areas of the ground, we have restricted online sales,” the Blues announced.

“Any away fan who purchases a ticket in any home area of the stadium will have their ticket cancelled.

“Home fans - please call the ticket office on 0330 094 5930.”

United later announced that home ticket sales were close to 10,000, adding that tickets were now only available in person or by phone.

As of around 2pm there were fewer than 50 seating tickets left, but plenty available in the Paddock, Warwick Road End and Waterworks End terrace.

Fans, meanwhile, have launched a ‘Let’s turn Brunton blue’ initiative to urge supporters to make the stadium as colourful as possible for Saturday afternoon’s crucial game.

A crowdfunder has so far raised £470.

The young Warwick Road End fans’ group behind it said: “As a part of our ‘Let's Turn Brunton Blue’ initiative, we are asking all fans to help put some money together to get balloons, beach balls and all that good stuff for our huge game on Saturday.

“All props will be distributed across the ground via fans before the game, benefiting all four sides of Brunton Park.

“Donate if you can, if not still please get involved in one way or another at BP on Saturday.”