Mr Martlew is pressing for an urgent change to the law

It follows calls by Carlisle MP Eric Martlew for a change to the law, which has been backed by Carlisle United football club.

Carlisle United was relegated to the Conference from the Football League at the end of last season.

There are more than 60 Carlisle fans who are banned from the club's ground and other so-called A-list venues.

Clarify law

The Labour MP said: "If we play the likes of Manchester United these people cannot go.

"But if we are playing one of the non-league clubs like Morecambe, then of course they could go.

"This is against the spirit of the law and I think we need to clarify it and if necessary get this loophole stopped as quickly as possible."

A spokesman for Carlisle United said the club backed Mr Martlew's bid to change the law.

Convicted hooligans cannot enter Carlisle's Brunton Park ground

He said: "At the moment we have the pictures of 64 people at our ticket office of people who are not allowed into the ground.

"But if we play at a ground that has never previously been in the Football League, then these people can attend games.

"We agree with Mr Martlew that something should be done to prevent these people from following Carlisle United."

Det Const Ian Hodgson, Cumbria Police's football liaison officer, said: "Carlisle's relegation from the league means it will be playing teams that were never in a league.

"Carlisle's status has therefore created a situation that may not have been originally envisaged."

On Wednesday afternoon, the Home Office confirmed that it is examining whether to "redefine regulated football matches to meet the changing face of football".