Millers vow to ban for life pitch invader who dashed across Rotherham United penalty area before booting ball away

ROTHERHAM United will issue life bans to two fans who were arrested after invading the pitch during Saturday’s home match against Accrington Stanley.

One supporter — whose actions were roundly condemned on social media — ran through the penalty area as Accrington’s Harry Pell, prepared to take a late penalty — and kicked away the ball, before appearing to strike the Stanley striker.

The intruder then dashed along the pitch before finally being collared by United striker Michael Smith, while his fellow pitch invader was also stopped and taken away after kicking the ball himself.

The incident saw a third Millers matchday in six blighted by trouble, following a minute’s silence being disrupted and fans fighting among themselves at Fleetwood Town last month and a missile — said to be a coin — being thrown at an assistant referee at Crewe on January 29.

Rotherham United said in a statement: “We are incredibly disappointed to once again be issuing a post-match statement to condemn the actions of two of our so-called supporters for their behaviour during our Sky Bet League One fixture against Accrington Stanley at AESSEAL New York Stadium.

“Following crowd-related incidents in the recent games against Fleetwood Town and Crewe Alexandra, which have subsequently been investigated, we are embarrassed to once again be commenting on the behaviour of some fans, who absolutely do not represent the majority or what we stand for as a club.

“On an afternoon on which we should be celebrating the team’s success on the field, we are disappointed to be commenting on the actions of individuals in the stand.

“The two culprits have been identified by the club and arrested for their actions by South Yorkshire Police.

“They will be banned permanently from AESSEAL New York Stadium and are no longer welcome at Rotherham United.”

South Yorkshire Police has been contacted for comment.