A FOOTBALL club chairman has slammed the “foolish” actions of yobs who launched fireworks at a pitch during a match.

Braintree Town were playing Farnborough in the National League South last Tuesday when fireworks were launched into the Dunmow Group Stadium.

Ron Fosker, who was at the game, said: “It was an incredible explosion - one of the biggest bangs I’ve ever heard.

“We were all calmly watching the match, and it was the sort of bang that makes you really jump and shudder

“All the players stopped, we all stopped and wondered what was going on.

“If it had landed next to someone, it would have been serious.”

Luckily no one was injured.

But Braintree Town chairman Lee Harding said the actions were “foolish” and he was “disappointed it happened”.

He said: “There were two separate incidents. The first struggled to get off the ground and wasn’t a major concern, but the second one was more concerning.

"It launched over our training pitch, over the side of the main seated stand and on to the pitch.

“The referee had a quick chat with myself, the club secretary and safety officer, and we contacted the police, who I understand are looking into it now and we have CCTV around the ground.

“We had a break, informed the spectators and continued."

Mr Harding added: “We all enjoy fireworks in the right circumstances, but it certainly isn’t appropriate to launch them into a stadium any time but more so when there is a game in progress.

“It was foolish. Those doing it may regard it as entertainment, but if it had hit a spectator, player or officials, it could have been serious.

“I am disappointed it happened, and I hope the people involved will give some thought and consideration to their actions and it won’t happen again.”

Police are investigating the incident.

A spokesman said: “We were called to the Cressing Road Stadium in Braintree shortly after 8pm on Tuesday following reports of fireworks being set off on to the football pitch.

“Officers attended and located a number of unlit fireworks at a nearby footpath.

"No one involved was injured and no suspects have been identified.

“Anyone who witnessed anything or may have any information is encouraged to contact us, quoting reference 1063 of November 15.”