NEO-Nazis may have been behind violence which cast a shadow over the reputation of a proud North-East football club.

Propaganda was found linking extremists Combat 18 (C18) to a wrecking spree in a pub prior to non-league Bishop Auckland's FA Trophy tie at Burton Albion at the weekend.

Trouble flared in the Staffordshire town on Saturday when about 100 thugs gathered at the Navigation Inn, near Burton's Eton Park ground.

About £1,000 damage was caused as the hooligans broke into the cellar and stole stock, turned over a pool table and smashed it in half, and urinated over the floor of the ladies' toilet. Landlady Yvonne Younger's son was attacked.

Mrs Younger said a sticker was left on the bar linking the troublemakers to C 18, recognised as the UK's most notorious neo-Nazi group.

"It was just mayhem," said Mrs Younger. "It was definitely organised." She had been left "shocked and angered".

Down the road from the pub, a 40-strong gang descended on a furniture store and smashed a £500 Egyptian statue.

Police had to draft in 45 officers from a Football League match at neighbouring Stoke City.

Twice during the tie - which Bishop Auckland lost 2-0 - about 60 fans invaded the pitch.

A total of 250 Bishops' fans travelled to Burton, including what police said was a "troublesome element of about 100".

Staffordshire Police and colleagues in County Durham will study video footage and press photographs of the trouble to identify those responsible.

The Football Association will today receive a police report on the violence.

Tony Golightly, secretary of the Albany Northern League, said: "I don't believe that these people are genuine supporters of Bishop Auckland, a club which has done much for North-East non-league football."

l Three people have been arrested and charged with public order offences in connection with the disturbance, before being released on police bail.

Sinister threat - Page