The club are immensely proud that the team managed to win the Durham Challenge Cup on Wednesday night for the first time in 31 years with a magnificent crowd of 2,169 watching on.

Unfortunately the celebrations were overshadowed by the mindless actions taken by two spectators in the Hebburn section setting of pyrotechnics both in the stand and in the concourse at half-time putting other spectators at risk, despite pre-game warnings across social media.

This type of behaviour is not only embarrassing for the club but also hugely damaging to its reputation, whilst more importantly a health and safety risk for other spectators.

These culprits also seemed oblivious to the possible heavy sanctions being imposed on the club due to their thoughtless actions (financial penalty/competition expulsion/spectator limits).

The actions were captured clearly on CCTV with the culprits being removed from the ground, whilst having their details taken and passed to the local police to be dealt with.

The club condemns this mindless behaviour and will fully support investigations from Northumbria Police, Durham FA and Sunderland AFC and follow through with the appropriate sanctions necessary.

We’d like to offer our sincere apologies to the rest of our fantastic supporters, Spennymoor Town FC, Durham County FA, Sunderland AFC and the staff working at the ground on the evening.

We love the fantastic support we receive from our loyal fans and we urge you to continue to get behind the club but please follow the rules and do this in a safe manner.

Thank you to everyone who supported the team in a sensible manner on Wednesday night.