The Cumbrian derby was temporarily paused
Barrow’s Papa John’s Trophy fixture against Carlisle United was temporarily suspended after a firework was thrown in the direction of Carlisle goalkeeper Michael Kelly.
The firework was thrown two minutes into the game from the home end at Holker Street, missing Kelly by a few yards before exploding.
Referee Seb Stockbridge immediately took the players off the pitch, with the game paused for 15 minutes as Stockbridge discussed what cause of action should be taken with Barrow officials and the police.
And people said not to expect fireworks in the Papa John’s Trophy game between Barrow and Carlisle last night…
— Football Ramble (@FootballRamble) October 19, 2022
A statement from the PA announcer said the game would only be allowed to continue once fans were cleared from the Holker Street end and moved to the Popular side terrace, while also warning that any further incidents would result in the game being abandoned.
The home side went on to win the game 2-0 after goals from Josh Kay and Sam Foley to secure a second place finish in Group G and advance through to the knockout stages. Carlisle meanwhile finished bottom of the group.
Barrow also released a statement at full time reiterating that they have a “zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour, including the use of pyrotechnics.”
Both managers also condemned the “brainless idiot” who threw the firework onto the pitch. Carlisle boss Paul Simpson said: “That is just a brainless thing to do.
“I don’t get what enjoyment that idiot has got out of that. I really hope, if he has been caught, he gets dealt with with the strongest possible action.”
Barrow’s Pete Wild meanwhile said he was “appalled” by what he saw and apologised to the visitors. “I apologised to the Carlisle manager straight away,” he told BBC Radio Cumbria.
“Let me be clear – I don’t want anybody coming to this ground who wants to behave in that way.
“When I came to this club it was based on being a really good family club, and I don’t want to bring my family to somewhere they’re gonna be throwing fireworks on the pitch.”
Carlisle United Police also confirmed that one male had been arrested in connection to the incident.
Throwing fireworks will not be tolerated by @Cumbriapolice . As per below one male has been arrested as a result of the incident at the @PapaJohnsTrophy fixture between @BarrowAFC and @officialcufc which caused significant delays. https://t.co/QbVxnPLd1W
— Carlisle United FC Police (@CumPolCUFC) October 18, 2022
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