Police hunt troublemakers
There can be no excuses for the ugly scenes at half-time last Friday during the Burton Albion versus Hereford United match. And according to today's Burton Mail, the police have launched a major hooligan hunt for those involved.
The violence occured when a group of 'away fans' invaded the pitch and charged the Albion supporters.
Vastly outnumbered, the stewards, joined by Hereford's substitutes, tried to restore order without any help from uniformed police. One man was arrested for assulting a steward.
Albion supporters have also claimed that a child was hit in the face by a missile.
Detectives have studied video evidence and photographic footage of the violence and will be liaising with both clubs and their West Mercia Police colleagues.
Albion chairman Ben Robinson said: "From our video tape we can clearly see that just before the start of the second half a group of Hereford fans invaded the pitch and attacked a section of Burton supporters.
"Over the weekend we held a meeting with the police, who are going to investigate the incident and seek out the culprits."
Burton fan Jonathan Buckley added: "The hooligan supporters were throwing coins and plastic bottles. I was standing by a small child of seven who was hit in the face by a coin.
"At half-time around 10 of the thugs jumped into the crowd punching and kicking anything in sight. One poor Albion fan was being kicked and punched on the floor."
Earlier this season, Hereford had meetings with police to try to identify a group of about twenty thugs who they believe are the main ringleaders.
Detective Sergeant Darren Harding, of Burton CID, said today: "Burton Albion is a family club and we will not tolerate hooligan elements carrying out this sort of behaviour.
"We have launched a post-match inquiry and are working with the club to identify the trouble makers. We would appeal to any fans who witnessed the incident to contact us."
Anyone with information is urged to contact DS Darren Harding on 01785 234734.