OXFORD United have pleaded with fans to keep flares and smoke bombs away from matches or risk the club being docked points.

Smoke flares have been let off in United areas at the side’s past two games and last season a visiting fan was jailed for a year for using one.

The most recent incidents led U’s managing director Greig Box Turnbull to issue a strongly-worded warning.

He said: “The biggest concern is safety, not just for those around the immediate area where flares go off but for other spectators who can be affected by the smoke in any area of the ground.

“There is also the risk of serious penalties for the club if this continues to happen – the authorities will not tolerate it and we risk losing points or being fined if it happens again.

“We want atmosphere, noise and colour but we urge fans to work with us and help cut out the use of flares and pyro at our matches once and for all.”

At last Saturday’s game against Millwall one Yellows supporter needed medical assistance for breathing problems despite sitting in a separate stand from where the flare was set off.

Oxford United Supporters Trust chairman Jem Faulkner said: “Everybody wants to see a good atmosphere and colour and a really good vibe.

“But this is dangerous and illegal.

“It is a very small number of people involved and it is a shame they cannot stop them before they get into the ground.

“We think better security outside the ground is something to be borne in mind.”