On behalf of everyone at Newcastle United FC, we wholly condemn the behaviour of a number of our supporters who invaded the pitch during the second half of the club's friendly against Darlington this evening (July 15).

The club will be seeking to obtain footage of the disorder from Darlington FC and the police and will be taking the strongest possible action against those individuals responsible for the shameful behaviour.

This behaviour is not typical of the vast majority of our fans, however this incident gives a poor impression of Newcastle United and its loyal supporters.

Statement from Newcastle United Manager Alan Pardew:

Having reflected overnight on yesterday's match at Darlington that was interrupted in the second half by the actions of some of our supporters, I am left bitterly disappointed by the events that unfolded after Sammy Ameobi scored our second goal.

Apart from the frustrating disruption to what was a very good game of football and an important part of our pre-season preparation, the pitch invasion was totally unacceptable and has brought shame on everyone connected with Newcastle United.

We came to play a football match and to provide entertainment for a family audience - instead we witnessed some truly appalling behaviour which damages the reputation of this great club and the vast majority of our true and law-abiding supporters.

As Derek Llambias said yesterday evening, the club will now be taking the strongest possible action against those individuals responsible and that can't happen soon enough. I speak for everyone at Newcastle United when I say I never wish to see those scenes at a football match again.

photo: nufc.co.uk