Staff at Bristol Rovers were shocked and angry when they came into work this morning to find that graffiti had been sprayed across the Memorial gates.

Overnight, graffiti tags and slogans had been sprayed across two of the entrances to the ground, including one right across the inscription on the gates.

The tag, which has been put in a number of locations, features a laurel wreath with the letters ADA inside and the words Bristol City underneath.

Foul language has also been sprayed on a nearby wall alongside the words City Youth, CSF and BS3.

Bristol Rovers Chairman Nick Higgs said: "I am appalled and disgusted that certain individuals find it necessary to desecrate an important War Memorial.

"It is a site that is important to the city of Bristol and I cannot believe anyone would have done this.

"In addition to this there has been foul and abusive language painted on the private property of both the club and people living nearby.

"The individuals involved should be ashamed of themselves, and I am sure Bristol City will join with us in condemning such actions, just as we would if our fans were indulging in such actions."

The Memorial Stadium was built to honour the memory of the rugby union players of Bristol who were killed during World War One.

Every year Bristol Rovers and Bristol Rugby Club hold a memorial service outside the gates as a tribute to those who lost their lives.