MIDDLESBROUGH have banned a football supporter from the Riverside Stadium for life as the club re-enforce their zero tolerance policy to pitch invasions.

An incident took place at the weekend where a child ran onto the field of play during the closing stages of their 3-1 victory over Stoke City.

When the child returned to the stands to his father, club staff were subject to ‘abusive and threatening behaviour’ upon ejecting them from the stadium.

The club’s hierarchy were understood to be furious that the incident led to a delay in the game while manager Chris Wilder expressed his disappointment after the game.

More invasions onto the field of play took place despite numerous announcements on the club’s PA system not to run onto the pitch during the players lap of honour.

A statement from the club read: 'During our game on Saturday against Stoke City a child entered the field of play while the match was in progress, trivialising the importance of the game to our fans, town, players and management.  

'He was encouraged to do so by his father who recorded the incident on his mobile phone. On returning to his father our staff asked that they exit the stadium, only to be subject to abusive and threatening behaviour.

'Entering the pitch while the game is in progress will not be tolerated. Abusive and threatening behaviour to our staff will not be tolerated.

The statement continued: 'To enter the pitch at any time is a criminal offence as is abusive and threatening behaviour. The father and child have been identified and with immediate effect the father is banned from the Riverside Stadium for life. We will encourage the police to take further action.'