THE CHAIRMAN of a supporters’ group has joined Bradford City in condemning the mindless yobs who were involved in trouble during the club’s trip to Hartlepool United - which resulted in arrests and a matchday steward being hospitalised.
Three Bradford men were arrested following ‘disorder’ and ‘unacceptable behaviour’ from a minority of both sets of fans prior to, during and following Tuesday night’s League Two match at The Suit Direct Stadium.
During one disturbance, a Hartlepool United matchday steward suffered serious injuries inside the ground and required overnight hospital treatment.
Police dogs had to be used as officers were threatened and targeted by thugs throwing lumps of concrete and glass bottles, with some people even carrying sticks with nails embedded.
A 31-year-old Bradford man was arrested on suspicion of common assault in a Morrisons car park. He has been released under investigation whilst enquiries continue.
A 29-year-old Bradford man was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm inside the ground. This man has been bailed pending further enquiries.
A 31-year-old Bradford man has been charged with a public order offence and is due to appear at Teesside Magistrates Court on April 7. That incident allegedly occurred in The Corner Flag Pub.
The Bantams have launched a full investigation following the incidents.
Depending on the outcome of the police inquiries, the club said the three individuals who were arrested could face further action from the club, in line with ongoing police investigations.
Shipley Bantams chairman Steve Gorringe, a City fan of almost 30 years, believes the police and the club should do all they can to punish those responsible for the ugly scenes.
He said: “We saw a couple of police cars going past but we did not witness anything directly as we were all standing by the coach.
"If they cannot behave themselves at a football match then they deserve all they get.
"I always have parents coming to us to enquire about taking their 14/15-year-olds to away games. They do that because they know we offer safe travel.
"This (the arrests) is not a good look for the club. It just means they will increase the police presence at future games.”
From his car, supporter Jonny Bray captured footage that shows people of all ages running away from the disorder.
He said: “It kicked off. Fans were picking up stones and throwing them at police and other fans.
"Once the police got the dogs out, people began to run away.”
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