Football fans blasted over match disorder that saw officer hurt

‘UNACCEPTABLE’ BEHAVIOUR BY SUPPORTERS AT CRUCIAL GAME

FOOTBALL fans from a county club have been condemned for their part in chaotic scenes that saw a police officer injured.

Investigations are ongoing into the Bank Holiday Monday disorder, which happened during a crucial promotion play-off in the Southern League Premier Division Central.

The tie between Peterborough Sports and Coalville Town, at the former’s Lincoln Road Stadium, had the prize of promotion to the National League North.

However, tensions between pockets of the two sets of rival fans appeared to spill over at half-time, with Peterborough leading 1-0, and police had to deal with outbreaks of public disorder in the stands.

One officer was injured. Police and both teams involved have since condemned those responsible.

The game saw a group of about 30 fans from both teams involved in confrontations on the sidelines.

Social media footage appears to show the opposing fans throwing items at one another before the disturbances and disorder spilled over.

Officers from Cambridgeshire Police were called to try to break it up, with the game’s second half delayed as a result.

Peterborough Sports went on to win the game 2-0 to secure their promotion to the Vanarama National League North - two divisions below the Football League.

In a statement, police confirmed one officer had been injured.

It said: “We were called on Monday with reports of disorder at Peterborough Football Club on Lincoln Road, involving approximately 30 fans supporting both teams.

“Officers attended, with one officer being injured as a result, though they are not thought to have suffered serious injuries.”

Coalville Town chairman Glyn Rennocks said: “It is very, very disappointing on what should have been a magical day for the club and it is disappointing that this happened.

“It is unacceptable, it is not what we want to see at any football match and is something that Coalville does not wish to be associated with.

“We will do anything we can to help the police if we are needed.”

The disorder was also criticised by

Peterborough Sports’ chairman Grant Biddle.

In a statement, he said the club was disappointed with the minority who had caused the problems.

“We are obviously disappointed that some of the actions by a small minority of the crowd has taken some of the shine away from the victory.

“The police acted swiftly to control the clash at half-time and fortunately we were able to resume the game.

“We will liaise with police for future big games, as we did before (this) game, to reduce the chances of any reoccurrence.”

Police confirmed they issued a dispersal order in and around the ground for several hours after the game.

They added that no arrests had been made but that they were calling on people to help with their investigations.

A force spokesman said: “A dispersal order was put in place until 10pm, allowing police community support officers and police officers to direct a person to leave the area if they had reasonable grounds to suspect that their behaviour had caused, or was likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to members of the public.

“Failure to comply with the order can result in arrest. No arrests were made but an investigation into the violent disorder has been raised, and anyone with any information is urged to contact police.”

Call police on 101, quoting crime reference 35/30584/22.