The Football Association have issued Bristol Rovers with a “strong warning” over the future conduct of their supporters after an incident during their Vanarama Conference Premier game at Braintree Town earlier this month.

Trouble flared behind the visitors’ goal after the award of a first-half penalty to hosts Braintree and the incident was highlighted to the FA in referee Daniel Cook’s reported.

The governing body have now looked into it and Rovers have confirmed that they have been warned about their fans’ behaviour.

A statement from the West Country club said: “We, as a club, are responsible for the behaviour of our supporters both home and away, a point which many fans are unaware.

“On this occasion we have received a strong warning from the FA, but disciplinary action is likely to be taken against us should there be any further reports of misconduct by Bristol Rovers supporters.”

The statement on the Rovers website described the incident as a “skirmish” behind the goal.

It added: “Once again, therefore, a small minority of so called supporters spoilt things for the majority of those who simply travelled to Braintree to support their team, and the good name and reputation of Rovers and their supporters was called into question.”

Kenny Davis went on to score from the penalty that had been awarded and Braintree won the game 2-0.