THE Football Association have this week warned Darlington that they could face punishment if club staff in the technical area at Blackwell Meadows are subjected to abuse from fans.

The governing body have expressed their concern following incidents earlier this season at Quakers home matches, with the game against Spennymoor Town resulting in Darlington banning a number of supporters.

Following communication from the FA, a statement released by Darlington reads: “The club has this week received a letter from the Football Association making us aware that members of the technical area have been subjected to abuse and/or threatening behaviour from supporters in close proximity.

“The FA tell us that these incidents are of great concern to them, and that any further incidents could see us charged under FA Rule 20, which could in turn mean a heavy fine.

“While the vast majority of our fans are very well-behaved, spectators are reminded that they should conduct themselves in a proper and orderly manner while attending Darlington games, and anyone found misbehaving will be ejected from the ground and banned from attending matches.”

Spennymoor won at Blackwell on January 19, and three days later Quakers released a statement, saying: “The club has taken strong action against individuals who have ignored our warnings about bad behaviour at home matches.

“A number of individuals have received notifications that they have now been permanently excluded from Darlington FC home games because of their continued bad behaviour and general foul and abusive language.

“We are also working hard on identifying other individuals who are indulging in anti-social behaviour, and they also face permanent exclusion.”

Darlington are tomorrow at home to FC United of Manchester.