THE Football Association are to launch an investigation into the pitch invasion which marred Oxford United’s final game of the season against Northwich on Sunday.

The FA confirmed last night that they would be looking at the matter after the referee recorded “an extra-ordinary” incident in his match report.

Four individual fans ran onto the pitch during the match before there was a surge of around 60 from the left of the Oxford Mail Stand when James Constable equalised in the second half.

Some spectators ran over towards the South Stand and Northwich manager Andy Preece tried to take his side off the pitch and into the changing rooms.

However, Sheffield referee Michael Naylor managed to persuade him not to do so, and play resumed after around five minutes.

Oxford United could land in serious trouble if it was felt they failed adequately to control the crowd.

Sanctions could include a hefty fine.

United launched their own investigation after the match with spokesman Chris Williams saying: “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.”

That investigation is continuing with the club getting CCTV footage for police to study. There have been no arrests to date.

The FA are studying a video of the match which was sent by the club.

Secretary and general manager Mick Brown said: “It would be totally wrong to pre-judge any investigation by the FA.

“The referee said that he was going to report an “extra-ordinary” incident, which is the norm with something like this.”

It’s understood that the club are not under a suspended sentence, but have previous incidents on “record”.

These include a pitch invasion by Oxford fans at Mansfield three years ago that led to a similar hold-up and eventually arrests.

And in January that year, nine United supporters were banned from attending matches anywhere in England and Wales after clashing with rival fans in a Chester bar in November 2004, when United played a Coca Cola League Two away fixture at Chester City.

But that problem took place away from the ground.