AN anti-racism group is calling on a football club to turn away Hartlepool United fans if they turn up to the last game of the season ‘blacked up’.

Kick It Out, football’s equality and inclusion organisation, was contacted by some of the club’s own supporters after a Bob Marley fancy dress theme was suggested for their traditional fancy dress outing on the last away game of the season.

The club’s fans became social media stars when hundreds of ‘Smurfs’ were photographed in May 2012 when they arrived at London’s Kings Cross railway station.

However, this year’s reggae or Bob Marley theme has not gone down well in all quarters as fans are planning on turning up at Carlisle United’s Brunton Park in fancy dress on May 2.

John Pearson, who organises the fancy dress, said there was 'never any intention' for Pools fans to 'black up'.

He added: "It's a bit offensive to suggest we were going to 'black up', I'm not sure why anyone would even do that.

"I think someone has contacted Kick it Out and the whole thing has got a bit out of control.”

The statement from Kick It Out said:"We have received a number of complaints from Hartlepool United supporters about the Bob Marley fancy dress theme planned by a group of the club’s fans for their fixture against Carlisle United at Brunton Park on Saturday, May 2. The main concerns raised have been over the potential of fans deciding to ‘black up’.

“We have subsequently followed up on the complaints by contacting both Hartlepool United and Carlisle United on the matter. We clearly outlined that ‘blacking up’ has historically been a way of acting out racist stereotypes, and while the theme planned by fans may be well intended and chosen as part of an annual fancy dress tradition, such behaviour, if it occurs, is likely to cause offence.

“We have provided guidance to both clubs on the matter, and advised Carlisle United of our own stance that if any fans do choose to ‘black up’ they should be refused entry to their stadium. We have also contacted The Football Association, the Football League, and the United Kingdom Football Policing Unit to inform them of the complaints we have received from Hartlepool United supporters.

“If we do receive complaints informing us that supporters have ‘blacked up’ at the fixture between Carlisle United and Hartlepool United, or that any incidents or disturbances of a discriminatory nature have occurred, we will follow our usual procedures by making The Football Association and the Football League aware for them to investigate.”

No one from Hartlepool United would comment tonight (Friday, April 24).