Chester FC fear they could be with hit with a points deduction or fine from the FA as punishment for the behaviour of a ‘small number’ of supporters in the opening two games of the campaign.

Blues fans were in superb voice during Saturday’s season opener at Barnet and Tuesday’s visit of Hereford United to the Deva Stadium.

Such was the backing from the stands, manager Neil Young was moved to hail the inspirational support as ‘unbelievable’ in his first weekly column for The Chronicle.

But in both matches smoke bombs were thrown on to the field of play and the referees have mentioned the incidents in their reports to the FA.

It led the Chester board to issue a strongly worded statement yesterday afternoon which also revealed that other more serious episodes are alleged to have taken place at Barnet.

The statement read: “As a supporter-owned football club, Chester FC are rightly proud of the behaviour of the overwhelming majority of our supporters.

“Since reforming, we have been welcomed by other clubs across the country and recognised as well behaved, true supporters of the game.

“This reputation is well deserved and we must do everything in our power to retain the goodwill that has been built up in the last three seasons.

“The behaviour of a small number of individuals in the game at Barnet and again at last night’s game against Hereford seriously threatens to undermine all that we stand for as a community-based, family club.”

The statement goes on to make reference to other serious off-the-field incidents that were alleged to have taken place against Barnet and which The Chronicle understands are now in the hands of the Metropolitan Police.

The statement continued: “The board of Chester FC absolutely condemn the use of smoke bombs/flares, throwing coins, any form of hate chanting, racial abuse and any other form of public order offences.

“The referees who officiated at both the Barnet and Hereford games have indicated that reports will be submitted to the FA on the behaviour of Chester supporters. Sanctions such as fines and/or points deductions could well be applied to the club.

“The club will work with our stewards and the police to identify and deal with any individuals that are responsible for any behaviour which could bring our club into disrepute.

“We are committed to providing a safe, family friendly environment for our supporters and visiting fans and we will not tolerate any behaviour that undermines this.

“While we all want to celebrate our club’s rapid promotion into the Skrill Premier Division we would appeal to all fans not to allow celebrations to spill over into anything that could harm the club in anyway.”

The Blues take on Woking at the Deva Stadium on Saturday, August 24. Kick-off is 3pm.