DARLINGTON FC fans are welcome back at Salford City any time, says an official spat at during a controversial football match.

Days of allegations have followed last Saturday’s match between the two teams, which took place at Salford City’s ground.

The game attracted national attention after a minority of Darlington fans were accused of causing £10,000 of damage to the ground, blacking the eye of a player, attacking a security guard and spitting at officials.

One fan was said to have twice tried to pull down the linesman’s shorts while Salford City’s chair, Karen Baird claims abuse following the match forced her to close down social media accounts.

The situation was exacerbated by conditions at the Moor Lane ground, where the bar was temporarily closed and access to food and toilets limited for the large number of fans who had travelled from Darlington.

The Football Association and the Greater Manchester Police are investigating allegations arising from the game.

Today, Salford City’s secretary, Andy Giblin moved to defuse the heated situation, saying the majority of Quakers fans would be welcomed back to the ground with open arms – though future matches may be tickets-only.

Claiming he was spat at by a fan while trying to maintain order following the bar’s temporary closure, he said: “It kicked off when the decision was made to close the bar – there was evidence that some parties had already had enough and the police supported our decision.

“I was spat at after asking lads to leave – it wasn’t nice but I don’t want to make a fuss about it.

“The whole situation was disappointing – we’d prepared quite well with extra security, the police and other things but it was not ideal.

“The situation was unprecedented for us, I’ve never seen anything like it and was surprised by the level of aggression.”

He added: “If we play Darlington again, we’ll take extra steps but the majority of Darlington fans were great and would be welcome any time.”

Confirming the club is working with the FA and police to investigate the issues, Darlington FC’s chair, Dave Mills, said: “We remain disappointed that no issues were formally brought to our attention by Salford City either on Saturday, or since.

“Darlington FC will not tolerate any form of inappropriate behaviour and will work with police to take the strongest action possible against anyone found to have committed these alleged offences.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Darlington FC at commercial@dfc1883.co.uk.