OXFORD United fans have called for the owner of match day pub The Priory to take action to stop it becoming a magnet for vandals.

The Priory, in Grenoble Road, is used by fans before home games at the Kassam Stadium but was closed by owner Firoz Kassam last week because of the landlord’s debts.

Club supporters have called for Mr Kassam – who also owns the stadium and nearby Ozone Leisure Park – to do something with the building.

Police were investigating last night after almost all The Priory’s windows were smashed and glass was left strewn across the ground behind the building on Saturday.

Bicester resident Chris Davis, who has supported the U’s since the 1950s, said: “It is unfortunate that it is an area which is not used 24/7. It is sitting there asking for trouble if nothing is going to happen to it.

“He (Mr Kassam) needs to do something with it because without that it is now in a waste area. It does not sit very well with his new complex.

“It could continue to be a vandalism magnet. He needs to sort something out.”

Blackbird Leys resident Dean Fowler, 27, said: “It is a bit disappointing that the pub is closed down and now this has happened to it.

“I think Kassam seriously needs to hurry up and either get the old landlord back in there or get someone else in.

“It needs to be done quickly or potentially it could be burnt down next time.”

Lifelong fan Zac Knowles, 20, from Middle Barton, said: “It definitely needs someone back in there otherwise it will perhaps be targeted more.

“I don’t think this season will be as enjoyable without the pub.

“One of the biggest parts of the day is meeting up with mates beforehand. It won’t be the same.”

Supporter Mark Quainton, 41, of Yarnton, said: “It is a shame it is all shut down because it was an ideal location. It could become a magnet for vandalism.

“I wish it was back as a pub for the football club. Something needs to be done.”

Mark Sennett, chairman of supporters’ group OxVox, said: “It is sad to see it in its current state, especially after all the years it has given to us.

“The fans are keen to find out when the doors are going to reopen again.”

Police were called to the pub at about 9am on Saturday after almost every window was smashed.

Firefighters were also called to the pub at about 8.30am on the same day to put out a small fire involving rubbish and a CO2 cylinder.

A spokesman said the service believed the fire had been started deliberately.

Mr Kassam did not return calls from the Oxford Mail.