supporters for life after their involvement in a riot during a match against local rivals Bristol Rovers in December.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw but made the headlines for the fact that a number of spectators ran onto the field forcing the Rovers players to abandon the pitch for the safety of an old players' tunnel.

Goater, whose friend and fellow Bermudian professional Kyle Lightbourne watched the game from the stands, later described the match as "the worst thing I've experienced'' in soccer.

Yesterday, Bristol City chairman Scott Davidson told reporters: "We want to give the message to these idiots that football has changed.

"We have tried to attract families and schoolkids and these people -- we can't really call them supprters -- are no part of our future. I just hope it makes the statement that we will not allow that sort of thing to go on.'' According to Davidson, the number banned could rise to 50 as the local police continue to examine television footage of the incident.

City, currently third in the Second Division, face a Football Association hearing today and could face either a fine or the prospect of playing behind closed doors.