A PROUD North-East football club shamed by bogus fans earlier this year has emerged with its reputation officially unscathed.

The Football Association has given Bishop Auckland FC a clean bill of health following an investigation into crowd trouble at an FA Trophy away tie against Burton Albion, in Staffordshire on January 13.

Both clubs presented reports to the game's governing body and neither faces formal action.

However, the FA will follow their normal procedure and send observers to some future Games at Burton's Eton Park ground.

Violence first flared in the town when thugs went in a wrecking spree at a pub and furniture store.

Twice during the tie - which Bishop lost 2-0 - hooligans invaded the pitch and police had to be drafted in from a Football League match at nearby Stoke City.

Although an embarrassed Bishop Auckland apologised to their hosts, both clubs have accepted that the troublemakers were not genuine supporters.

Bishop Auckland police have studied photographs and a video sent from Burton.

Now the FA has approved a new identity card scheme Bishop chairman Tony Duffy hopes to introduce for next season.

A spokeswoman said: "What they are doing is good. There is no thought that Bishop Auckland are culpable here.

"We are completely satisfied they are doing everything they can to resolve the problem they have and help them stop these non-supporters turning up to these games."

Updated: 14.41 Wednesday, April 25