A 'small majority' of fans of Dartford FC have been threatened with bans after "constant bad language and behaviour" boiled over on Saturday, with some of the supporters stepping on to the pitch.

The Darts won their opening game of the season against St Albans City 3-1 after Dan Roberts scored two injury-time goals, sending the away fans into raptures.

But some fans leaked onto the perimeter of the pitch to celebrate with the players. Pitch invasions were criminalised in the UK under the Football Offences Act in 1991, and although some do still occur, these often result in fines or action from the FA.

The club have now warned fans to behave or face being banned from future matches, with the board stressing they are a "family club."

The club's board released a statement following the game, saying a "great result" had been "marred slightly by the behaviour of a small minority of supporters."

News Shopper: Princes Park, the home ground of Dartford FC - SteveboswellPrinces Park, the home ground of Dartford FC - Steveboswell

"We are a family club and want all our supporters to enjoy the game and their day out but we cannot accept or condone some of the constant bad language being used and general behaviour of some.

"This includes the celebration of the goals at the end of the game. We now await the referees report on these incidents and what consequences we as a club may face.

"If this continues then as a club we will be forced to ban certain individuals who we deem to be the main culprits from home and away games.

"We want everyone to get behind the team in the right way and as supporters have a positive experience that everyone can enjoy."

Dartford face Slough Town this Saturday in their first home game of the National League South Season, the sixth tier of English football.