Norwich City bring in expert help as security review begins

Norwich City have recruited Celtic's former head of security to lead the investigation into an incident at Carrow Road on the opening day of the season involving two home supporters.

The pair ran almost half the length of the pitch and reached the area where Colchester manager Paul Lambert - yesterday unveiled as City's new manager - was standing.

They appeared to be heading towards then City boss Bryan Gunn to express their anger soon after City had conceded the fourth goal in what turned out to be a 7-1 rout.

The men - Mark Warman, 43, and Daniel Warman, 18 - were charged with “pitch encroachment” but the police later confirmed they had each accepted a caution.

City's chief executive, David McNally, is desperate to avoid a repeat of the incident and has already opened the inquiry.

“We started an independent inquiry yesterday,” he said. “Clearly it is an important matter. I have asked George Douglas, who is an independent expert, to chair that and George is working with the team here today and we won't pre-judge any findings.

“George Douglas is ex-Strathclyde police, he worked for Celtic for many, many years, he was head of security and safety and on his CV he has probably got 150 Old Firm games under his belt so he understands how you need to look after spectators at football games.

“He has also worked for Uefa and Fifa, he's a match delegate for the SPL, so he is steeped in football industry experience.

“You try taking the first team coach to Ibrox on an Old Firm day, it is almost a military operation so he understands that things have to be done properly and he will objectively review what happened on the day in question.”

McNally says he would not pre-judge the inquiry by announcing any sanctions on the two fans.

“Supporters can't come on to the pitch, and it was most unfortunate. We understand how disappointing the game was for supporters, but they can't come on to the pitch.”