ONE of the country's most famous non-league football teams may give its fans identity cards next season so that it can take a tilt at a national cup competition.
Bishop Auckland FC officials are worried about being barred from entering next year's FA Trophy after violence marred a third-round tie last month.
Although the game's governing body, the Football Association, says a total ban would be unlikely, it could order the Bishops to play home games behind closed doors if it thought there was any risk of crowd trouble.
The club and their hosts Burton Albion both had to report to the FA after 100 North-East thugs went on a wrecking spree in the Staffordshire town centre.
There was also trouble during the match itself, which Bishop Auckland lost 2-0, when spectators twice invaded the pitch.
Now chairman Tony Duffy is anxious to reassure the FA that his fans are under control.
Mr Duffy said: "We intend putting an ID plan into operation so that the away clubs are aware of who the genuine supporters are.
"These people are using football as an excuse for violence. Even though they are nothing to do with us, we are worried that people will make the connection with Bishop Auckland."
An FA spokesman said: "Before they can play any home games they will have to satisfy us that they have taken all necessary precautions.
"It is not a question of barring them from any competition but playing games behind closed doors could be one of the options."
Bishop Auckland police were prepared for violence if Wednesday night's Durham County Cup semi-final match with Tow Law had not been postponed because of flooding, it emerged yesterday.
They had called in extra officers after learning that that rival gangs had planned a fight in a town centre pub.
Inspector Ian Storey said yesterday: "We are aware of who these people are and they will be dealt with very strongly.
"They are only going out because they want to cause damage and take part in gratuitous violence."
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