Violence mars Atherstone FA Cup clash

Crowd trouble: Barrow substitute Greg Mills (left) is surrounded by fighting (PA Wire)

Ugly scenes marred Atherstone Town's FA Cup third qualifying round match at home to Barrow yesterday as supporters of the Midlands club clashed with visiting fans and an opposition substitute.

With Atherstone trailing 4-0 at half-time, home fans ran on to the pitch and invaded a section of the Sheepy Road ground containing Barrow supporters, leading to fighting.

Barrow's substitute Greg Mills, who was on the pitch to warm up during the interval, had an altercation with a pitch invader after being confronted.

A flag belonging to Barrow's supporters was taken and set on fire. The start of the second half was delayed by 10 minutes.

Atherstone's chairman Rob Weale said: "I am personally embarrassed about the scenes here at half-time. It was unacceptable. Obviously, we will be pursuing the perpetrators. Those people responsible will feel the full force of the law."