Sussex Police have issued a statement after they had to intervene at a football match that saw “smoke bombs” thrown, “homophobic abuse” and pitch invasions.

The match between Whitehawk FC and Littlehampton Town descended into chaos at the Enclosed Ground on Saturday afternoon.

Whitehawk FC reported that chairs were smashed and firecrackers and flares were thrown during the match.

The football club said there is “no place” for “violence, bigotry and threatening behaviour” and said it would be speaking to Littlehampton Town about what took place.

A spokesman from Littlehampton Town said there were incidents involving both sets of supporters and described their “disappointment”.

Sussex Police said their officers attended to assist with crowd control and ensured fans left the grounds “safely” following the match.

“Police were called around 3.10pm on Saturday, January 14 following reports of disorder during a match between Whitehawk Football Club and Littlehampton Town Football Club.

“Officers attended and assisted with crowd control for the remainder of the fixture, before ensuring all groups safely dispersed from the area once the match was finished.”

A Whitehawk spokesman said: “Whitehawk FC are saddened by the behaviour of a number of Littlehampton Town fans at today’s match and apologise to our own supporters for what occurred.

“Despite the precautions we put in place, the match was marred by firecrackers, smoke bombs, flares, homophobic abuse, smashed chairs and fans entering the field of play.

“We wish to make clear there is no place for violence, bigotry and threatening behaviour within the beautiful game, and we are speaking to the opposition about what took place.

“Whitehawk FC operate a zero tolerance policy towards any abuse at The Enclosed Ground and are fully committed to our indefatigable value that football is for all.

“We thank Sussex Police for their assistance in responding speedily and preventing any further disorder. We will provide an update in due course, and a full report will be issued to the Isthmian League and the Football Association.”

A Littlehampton Town spokesman said: “Littlehampton Town FC are disappointed there have been several incidents involving both sets of supporters at this afternoon's game at Whitehawk.

“We are bitterly disappointed at the use of smoke bombs and firecrackers when we have made it clear before that it is unacceptable and against the law to use them inside a football ground.

“We have witnessed a missile thrown from a Whitehawk supporter which stuck a Littlehampton Town committee member. In addition, there were a number of Whitehawk fans who entered the field of play to confront our supporters during the game which escalated the situation.

“Our safety officer has already spoken with Sussex Police regarding the incidents and will continue to do so over the coming days. We shall also speak with Whitehawk FC over the next few days with regards to the incidents today.

“We shall make no further comment until we have spoken with all the relevant parties.”

“Police getting involved as the game itself descends into an attrition battle.”

The Hawks were eventually defeated 3-1 following the “unsettling afternoon”.