HARRIERS bosses have condemned "senseless antics" by a small number of fans at the Boxing Day derby. 

Hundreds of fans made the trip to support Kidderminster Harriers at their match against Worcester City on Monday (December 26), but a small number of fans threw smoke bombs on to the pitch from the away terrace before the game and shortly after kick-off.

In a statement on their website, Harriers bosses have condemned in the "stongest terms the senseless antics" of the fans involved and that the club's work and projects, including Give It 100%, are "severely undermimed" by these types of scenes.

Bosses are also asking fans with any information about the incidents at Monday's match to get in touch.

For New Year's Day's (Sunday, January 1) home game against Worcester City, random searches on the turnstiles will be conducted and CCTV will monitor potential trouble spots.

The statement said: "In the first instance we want to make clear that we are aware that the vast majority of the 1,000 fans supporting the team behaved impeccably and were a credit to the club – for that we thank you. 

"However, both before the game and shortly after kick off, we had to watch as ‘smoke bombs’ were thrown on to the pitch from the away terrace.

"We witnessed similar actions by ‘supporters’ at our first league game of this season. After this, two supporters were handed season-long bans by the club and others signed Acceptable Behaviour Agreements. 

"Firstly and most importantly – use of smoke bombs is extremely dangerous from a health point of view and is also a criminal offence.

"But in addition, it also runs the risk of serious action being taken against the club.

"This may take the form of a substantial fine or even a points deduction. At a time when we are making such great strides of progress, this is just madness."

The statement added: "We are working hard on the pitch and behind the scenes to become a successful football team and a community-centred club off it.

"This work, and projects like Give It 100% are severely undermined by these types of scenes.

"We could soon be in a position where we, collectively with our supporters, raise £10,000 to put towards the playing budget – only to have to give the same amount to one of the game’s bodies in fines. 

"We would also like to add that for the return fixture at Aggborough on New Year’s Day we will conduct random searches on the turnstiles and our extensive CCTV system will be monitoring potential trouble spots.

"Anyone found to be involved in antisocial behaviour will be receive a ban. 

"Our last word must again go to 99 per cent of our fans who continue to support us both on and off the field without feeling the need to damage our reputation.

"That support is invaluable and is very much appreciated."

Any fans with information following the disturbance at Monday's game or the identity of those involved, can speak to the Harriers managing director, Dave Pountney, anonymously, by calling 01562 823931 or by emailing dave.pountney@harriers.co.uk.