BRISTOL Rovers face “a hefty fine or worse” after being reported to the FA because of their supporters invading the pitch at Adams Park.

Several jubilant Gasheads spilled onto the playing surface to acclaim David Clarkson’s 75th minute winner for the Pirates against Wanderers on Saturday.

Crowds again came onto the pitch at the end of the game, which Rovers won 2-1 to climb above Wanderers and send their opponents into the relegation zone.

Their actions have led to the club being reported to the Football Association, with Rovers warning supporters could be banned from the club.

A statement on the Bristol Rovers website read: “Once again the club has been reported to the Football Association because of pitch incursions by supporters at the away match last Saturday against Wycombe Wanderers.

“We have been asked to make enquiries into this and Safety Officer, Dave Harper, will therefore be studying CCTV footage and other photographic evidence in an effort to identify offenders.

“A report will then be submitted to the FA, who could impose a hefty fine or worse on the club.  

“It is worth re-emphasising that encroachment onto the playing area is a criminal offence and any supporters identified from last Saturday could be subject to a club ban from the start of next season.”

The statement implies the Gas could be hit with a points deduction that may impact on the League Two relegation battle – but if history is anything to go by, that would appear unlikely.

There has only been one incident of a club being docked points as punishment for fans invading the pitch, and that was as a second-time offence.

In 1996 Brighton fans caused the abandonment of their home game with York City after invading the pitch in protest at plans to move away from their Goldstone ground.

The Seagulls were hit with a suspended three point deduction – which was activated as a two point docking the following season when supporters again invaded the pitch.