OXFORD United officials and police are studying CCTV footage and photographs from Sunday’s pitch invasion to identify those involved.

Anyone arrested over the incident could be taken to court and face a football banning order.

Club spokesman Chris Williams said: “We’re ex-tremely disappointed with the actions of a few on Sunday. Their actions meant that a celebration of an exciting climax to the season was soured.

“The club condemns the actions of these individuals and is in discussions with Thames Valley Police to ensure that those who went on to the pitch receive the appropriate punishment.

“The club will also complete its own investigation to ensure that scenes like this are not repeated.

“We expect more big games in the future and we need to ensure that this element isn’t allowed to spoil things for the majority of our well-behaved fans.”

Supporters’ trust OxVox said it would welcome banning orders for those involved in the invasion.

Spokesman Mark Sennett said: “It came at a really bad time, because it upset the momentum of the team.

“We don’t think it’s usual fans. It’s a very, very small number out of an extremely large crowd, and they’re not regular fans of Oxford United.

“The rest of the fans in the ground made it very clear they weren’t happy and that it wasn’t acceptable. We certainly hope it’s not repeated.

“We hope these people are caught and dealt with.

“We would support banning orders. We’re sure the club will deal with it swiftly and effectively.”

One fan who admitted running on the pitch after James Constable’s equaliser condemned the actions of those who ran up to the Northwich players, but insisted most people were true supporters who were caught up in the goal celebrations. The 29-year-old, from Abingdon, said: “The abuse we took from Oxford fans was disgusting.

“I’ve missed three home games and been to 15 away games this season, so for people to say we’re not loyal supporters is wrong.

“Most of the people were loyal fans who got caught up in the moment. Maybe when you think about it, you shouldn’t have done it, but no-one has been hurt.

“I think it’s a bit of double standards from some people, because if Oxford had got promoted they would have run on the pitch. People in front of me were jumping on in the heat of the moment and I followed – I didn’t even think about it for a second.”

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Referring to the fans who appeared to abuse the Northwich players, he added: “People are linking the two incidents, but they’re totally separate, we were just celebrating the goal. It wasn’t great and from some people an apology is needed, but we weren’t being violent.”

The Football Conference said it was waiting for the referee’s match report.

Thames Valley Police said no arrests were made at the ground.

tairs@oxfordmail.co.uk