Fans banned over pitch invasion

The Warmans confronted coaching staff during the first half

Two Norwich City fans who ran on to the pitch on the opening day of the Football League season have been banned indefinitely from Carrow Road.

Mark and Daniel Warman threw their season tickets at the then manager Bryan Gunn when the team were losing 4-0 to Colchester in the first half.

Chief executive David McNally said the incident had been "costly" to the club.

It had to order an independent safety inquiry and policing bills for match days have since risen, he added.

Mark Warman, 43, and 18-year-old Daniel Warman were held back by kit manager Manny Fowler as they confronted Mr Gunn near the dug out.

Worst home defeat

Much of the capacity crowd left Carrow Road well before the final whistle when the Canaries lost 7-1 to Colchester on 8 August.

It was the worst home defeat in Norwich's 107-year history.

The two season ticket holders continued to confront staff while being led away in the tunnel and were later cautioned by police.

"In real terms this incident alone has cost Norwich City Football Club a five-figure sum," said Mr McNally.

"It is totally unacceptable to run on the pitch and physically confront members of staff.

"Recent events at Upton Park have highlighted the very serious risk to public safety pitch invasions and unruly behaviour can pose."

Safety procedures on match days have been changed and the independent inquiry is continuing, he added.

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