It has long been known that there is an idiotic element that latches itself on to Oxford United and brings the club into disrepute.

United is finding times hard enough without the actions of a small group of people that invaded the pitch on Sunday.

Over the years, we have reported trouble inside and outside the ground involving so-called United fans. Transparently, they are not true fans in any sense of the word. Pitch invasions like those on Sunday bring with them the very real threat of sanctions on the club that could damage its future prospects.

The club and supporters should do all they can to identify those responsible. If they are identified, we trust the police will put them before the courts and the club will ban them from the stands for life.