BURY FC are to wage war on their own fans who are making life a misery for their black players with racist abuse and threats of violence.

Manager Andy Preece and midfielder Chris Billy suffered fierce verbal abuse from the stands during Saturday's draw at Torquay.

The club claims players and their families are being spat at and suffering threats of violence and are calling on fans to name and shame the perpetrators, so they can be banned for life.

"The incident at Torquay was the tip of the iceberg, but from that things have escalated," said Preece.

"It is not just directed at the visiting supporters and teams but it is being aimed at our own players and their families.

"I will not stand by and let that happen. Racist abuse that has been hurled at Chris Billy and myself, along with black players from other clubs, should not be happening -- let alone from our own fans.

"I have felt that some were against me from day one and no matter what I did they would not change, maybe its because of the colour of my skin."

"My mind is totally focussed on the field but we have to make a stand and show these people that they are not welcome here. The word 'fan' does not describe these people. They are using football as a platform and we do not want them here."

After all we have gone through with relegation and administration and the uncertainty of everything, and then to be coming out at the other end with a great position in the table, beating Bolton in the cup and all the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes. This takes all the gloss of it.