OFFICIALS at Southend United would like to identify the people in this picture after a smoke bomb was let off at Roots Hall.

The Football Association are investigating the Blues after the incident during their home game against Luton Town on Saturday, April 25.

The club has already been warned once this season after a smoke bomb was thrown on to the pitch at Fratton Park during their game with Portsmouth, in January.

The area of the ground in the photo, thought to be the singing section, has been identified as the area where the smoke bomb was thrown from.

The game was being played on the day football fans up and down the country remembered the Bradford City fire in which 56 people died at Valley Parade 30 years ago.

Steve Kavanagh, Blues chief executive, said of the incident: “I am appalled at what went on and that some mindless people think this is acceptable.

“On a day where we were remembering people who lost their lives in the Bradford fire, it beggars belief what went on during the game against Luton.

“This could have serious repercussions for the club and we will have to seriously consider how the singing section works in the future.”

The Blues want to identify the people in the photo and ask that they contact the club to speak to staff about the incident.

The appeal by the club comes ahead of Southend’s crucial play-off second leg against fellow promotion chasers Stevenage following a 1-1 draw in Hertfordshire on Sunday.

Both home and away fans will be searched before entering Roots Hall ahead of the game, which kicks off at 7.45pm tomorrow.

Ken Jarvis, co-owner of the popular fans forum Shrimperzone, said: “The vast majority of users on Shrimperzone felt the incident was stupid, dangerous and illegal.

“The small minority who thought it was nice were shouted down very quickly and had clearly never seen the devastation at Bradford.

“It was overwhelmingly bad practice and it would be good if they were found and dealt with.”

If youwould like to contact the club, call 01702 304050.