Investigation held after brawl at Stanley match

STUART PIKE

ACCRINGTON Stanley is working to identify fans involved after a brawl broke out in the first half of last weekend’s away match at Leyton Orient.

However, the club has claimed it believes some of the individuals involved were not Reds fans, amid conflicting eyewitness reports from fans.

Video footage surfaced last weekend showing fighting breaking out in the Stanley end during the first half of Saturday’s League Two fixture at the Matchroom Stadium, which they lost 1-0.

Stewards, security staff and police were all called in order to break up the ruckus, but there were no arrests. It is unclear how the fight started, or who was involved.

However, there have been mixed reports with one eye-witness claiming to have seen two Orient supporters enter the away stand, containing 152 Accrington supporters.

The home fans also reportedly started singing “Are you West Ham in disguise?” when the brawl started.

A statement from Accrington Stanley said: “Accrington Stanley have been working and continue to work with Leyton Orient to identify those involved.

“The club believes a number of individuals were not Accrington supporters.”

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: “Officers are aware of a small disturbance in the away section during the match between Leyton Orient and Accrington Stanley on Saturday, December 10.

“There were no arrests and enquiries continue.”

Leyton Orient said in a statement: “An incident took place in the away end during Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two game against Accrington Stanley.

“The club will continue to work closely with both the Met Police and Accrington Stanley in their investigations in to the matter.”