RUNCORN Linnets have condemned the use of smoke bombs at Saturday's season opener against Widnes.

The club has stepped up matchday security and will ban for life any fan found to be acting illegally inside their ground.

Linnets have issued the following statement: "Regrettably, at the first match after we announced and joined an FA campaign to eradicate illegal activities and anti-social behaviour at football matches nationwide, smoke bombs were let off on Saturday when we entertained Widnes in our season opener.

"The match referee has included the happenings in his official report.

"The release of smoke bombs is completely unacceptable and against the stadium regulations.

"Efforts were made at the time to identify the culprits. These were unsuccessful due to the nature of the incidents.

"We have since received correspondence from the Northern Premier League, asking the club what measures will be taken to guard against any repeat.

"As a consequence, and through the senseless and selflish actions of a small minority of "supporters", we will now be spending a considerable sum of money on increasing matchday security.

"The weekend occurrence isn't isolated, unfortunately, a flare lit by one of our followers at last season's NPL play-off semi-final was dropped on to the Leek Town pitch, considerably damaging the artificial surface and leaving Runcorn Linnets to foot the bill.

"This was and is money that the club can ill afford and would much prefer to spend on funding the team and improving facilities.

"It is particularly disappointing that we are having to act by upgrading security at a time when the dangers of pyrotechnics have been highlighted, as part of the FA campaign, on our website and social media feeds - with a clear message that their presence inside the ground is against the law.

"We are in the unfortunate position of having to reissue that message and reiterate that the use of fireworks, flares and smoke bombs is strictly prohibited.

"A professional security team will now be employed at future games.

"Anyone found to be bringing any kind of illegal objects into the ground will be reported to the Police and issued with a lifetime ban from APEC Taxis Stadium.

"The safety and comfort of all spectators are imperative and we will not hesitate to take action against anyone acting illegally on club premises."