Eight people were arrested after trouble flared at York City’s away game at Hartlepool, including two 16-year-old boys.
Cleveland Police said they acted after their officers “were faced with confrontational and aggressive behaviour”.
But the York City Supporters Trust say that the incidents outlined by the police “do not entirely align with the experiences of many fans”.
The arrests
A 16-year-old boy, a 20-year-old man and two 21-year-old men, all from York, were arrested for Public Order Offences. All have been bailed pending further enquiries.
A 20-year-old man from Norton has been charged with being Drunk Whilst Trying to Enter a Sports Ground.
A 18-year-old man from Thirsk has been charged with a Public Order Offence.
A 18-year-old man from York has been charged with being Drunk and Disorderly.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of affray. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Many fans have complained about heavy-handed policing at the match. One shared this video showing a City fan being bitten by a police dog at Hartlepool railway station.
City co-owner Matt Uggla posted: “Seen some worrying stuff about how the police treated York fans and it’s pretty disgraceful.”
The club said then said further steps were being taken to investigate events at the match on Saturday.
Cleveland Police have now released a statement, defending their officers’ behaviour.
The force says: “It became apparent from the beginning of the event, that there were a minority of people who were intent on causing disorder as officers were faced with confrontational and aggressive behaviour.
“During the game there were a number of incidents including three flares thrown in the stadium and a coin thrown at the Hartlepool goal keeper.
“Arrangements had been put in place to keep fans from opposing clubs separated, however these arrangements were not observed by a number of York City fans, some of whom were wearing face coverings.
“Officers were then faced with a large crowd of York City supporters in Hartlepool town centre who appear to have charged towards Hartlepool United fans in the town; something which would have been extremely intimidating and terrifying for members of the public to see.
“Cleveland Police Officers then worked with officers from British Transport Police at the train station to ensure the York City fans boarded the train without further disorder.
“The officers deployed to this policing operation are experienced officers who specialise in football liaison events. Those officers rightly used a number of tactics to prevent further violences occurring, and to protect members of the public from harm.”
Fans see it differently
The York City Supporters Trust has challenged the police’s account.
It says: “It is essential to acknowledge that reported incidents outlined this evening by the Cleveland Police do not entirely align with the experiences of many fans and our members.
“While we respect the efforts of the police, we urge a comprehensive and fair examination of all sides of the events to ensure an accurate representation of the situation and resulting actions for all parties to prevent a repeat of similar events in the future.
“YCST would like to see a broad review of all plans and subsequent events that engages both football clubs and supporter organisations (YCST and Hartlepool Supporters Trust) alongside the police and stewarding companies.
“This review should include evidence collected from a range of sources including personal statements and social media.”
City fans who want to share their experiences can contact the Club and Trust via [email protected] and [email protected].
Cleveland Police’s statement adds: “Cleveland Police would welcome any discussion with York City Football Club around Saturday’s events, and how this type of violent behaviour and offending can be prevented in the future, in order to keep the public safe.”