Officer in hospital after crowd trouble at Boro
A disturbance after Middlesbrough’s 1-0 victory over Sheffield United at the Riverside stadium yesterday A POLICE officer was hospitalised following violent scenes involving more than 200 fans following Middlesbrough’s game against Sheffield United at the Riverside.
Cleveland Police made five arrests but say more are expected as the investigation into the disorder continues.
Police say children as young as 10 were injured in the clashes, which started following a pitch invasion by some Sheffield United fans after the visiting side thought they’d snatched a late equaliser against Boro, only for the goal to be disallowed.
The violence then continued outside the ground, with hundreds of fans involved and dozens of police and stewards called to try and keep the situation under control.
One Sheffield United fan told The Sunday Sun that fans were “chucking things at each other”, adding: “It got heated.”
Cleveland Police have now issued a statement condemning the violence and launching an investigation.
They say a police officer was injured and taken to hospital and that five people have so far been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences.
Those arrested are currently in police custody, though the number is expected to rise as the investigation into the violence unfolds.
Assistant Chief Constable Jason Harwin said: “We will absolutely not tolerate violence of this nature and we will work to identify the offenders and bring them to justice.
“The vast majority of fans accept that football is a family game, watched by children, parents and grandparents. It’s terrifying for children to witness such violence, or be innocently embroiled in it as their parents frantically try to keep them safe.
“Unfortunately a small minority of people behave in a manner which puts innocent fans at risk. We will be working closely with Middlesbrough Football Club and Sheffield United as part of our investigations.”
Anyone with information, or who may have any images that may help police with their investigations are asked to call Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101.