Hartlepool United bans swords as fans plan to wear medieval knight fancy dress

A FOOTIE club has been forced to ban swords — as it prepares for an invasion from 1,200 fancy dress knights.

Hartlepool United fans always travel to their last away game of the season in the same costumes.

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Hartlepool United fans, seen dressed as Stormtroopers from Star Wars, always go to their last away game in the same costumes[/caption]

It has seen them dressed as Smurfs, Oompa Loompas and Star Wars’ Stormtroopers.

But this year’s St George-inspired theme prompted safety fears from Barrow, who host Monday’s game.

The Cumbrian club’s banned plastic or wooden swords but is encouraging visitors to bring blow-up ones instead.

Fancy dress organiser John Pearson, 60, said: “This swords policy is a serious thing but it’s been done in the right way and that’s brilliant.

“With it being St George’s Day the following day, it made sense for this year’s theme to tie in with that and no doubt there will be a focus on St George himself.

“I wouldn’t have thought anyone will take a real sword. I think we are safe there.

“Hopefully we will have a great day and it will pass without any incidents.”

Getty Images - Getty

The team went as Smurfs to cheer on their team against Charlton Athletic[/caption]

Rex Features

Plymouth Argyle’s home park got invaded by the Dark Side as Hartlepool United supporters turned up as Stormtroopers to support their team[/caption]

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