PASSIONATE Whitehawk fans have been banned from creating a carnival atmosphere with their drums at this weekend's momentous FA Cup match due to “healthy and safety”.

The Hawks will be away facing off against Dagenham and Redbridge on Sunday in what the club is calling their “biggest match ever”.

But the fans have been told they will not be allowed to bring their instruments and flags to the East London ground due to health and safety fears in the away stand.

Rory Milton, a member of the Whitehawk Ultras fans group, said: "We pride ourselves on our fun fanbase and part of that is having the drums, the instruments and the carnival atmosphere. It is a shame not being able to take that elsewhere, I personally cannot see it causing much of a problem.

"We are not your typical away fans, we are not looking to cause trouble, all we want is to party and enjoy the occasion."

"We have more fun than anyone, we are small but everyone comes down and makes the effort."

He added three supporters' coaches crammed with fans would be heading to the match and they definitely have "a chance with the talent on our side".

Whitehawk informed their fans on social media and Hawks fans cried “killjoys”.

Others joked they should replace their drums with kazoos or inflatables.

But with good humour one also said “we do not need drums, we have the Whitehawk Ultras loud and proud”.

Some Daggers fans also stepped in saying the move was “disgraceful” and they were “killing the atmosphere”.

A spokesman for Dagenham and Redbridge said: “The flagpole policy is a standard national thing.

“They can bring the flags and tie them to the seats as long as they are not on great big poles.

“We do not allow drums in any of the seated area due to health and safety reasons. It is quite narrow and having big drums can cause obstructions.

“I do not think it kills the atmosphere we have always run the ground this way and it does not create an issue. The stands the away fans will be in offer great views and they will have the opportunity to create a fantastic atmosphere and it will be a fantastic game.”

The match kicks off tomorrow at 2pm.