Post by Finnish Gas on Jun 10, 2014 16:04:13 GMT
Wanted: Police trying to trace 24 Bristol Rovers fans over pitch invasion violence
OLICE have released pictures of 24 Bristol Rovers supporters they want to quiz over trouble which erupted before and after the club’s final game of the season.
Trouble flared after the final whistle in the match against Mansfield which saw the Pirates drop out of the Football League for the first time in their 94-year history.
Angry fans invaded the pitch following the 1-0 defeat at the Memorial Stadium on May 3 and clashed with mounted police and stewards.
Six people have already been arrested in connection with the disorder, for public order and assault offences, but police want to bring 24 more people in for questioning.
Since the Sky Bet League 2 match, police have been working with officials at both clubs, scrutinising CCTV coverage, photographs and images tweeted to the Avon & Somerset force of those thought to have been involved in trouble before, during and after the game.
Acting detective inspector Paul Hunt said police would not hesitate in taking action to bring offenders to justice.
He said: “Nationally football-related anti-social behaviour and violence has increased by 27 per cent during the past 12 months. We operate a zero-tolerance of football related violence or anti-social behaviour in Avon and Somerset and will not hesitate in taking action to bring offenders to justice.
“Fans arrested as a result of football-related incidents, risk prosecution, a criminal record and even a possible jail sentence. Court convictions often lead to a football banning order, which will prevent people from following their favourite team for periods up to a maximum of 10 years. It also places restrictions on travelling abroad when England are playing overseas.”
Police said there were small pockets of disorder before the match, when a police horse was punched.
Following the pitch invasion, mounted officers helped club stewards clear the pitch and then assisted in dispersing the crowd.
No Mansfield Town fans were involved in the disturbances and their behaviour after the final whistle was praised by stewards.
Read more at www.bristolpost.co.uk/Wanted-Police-trying-trace-24-Bristol-Rovers-fans/story-21212335-detail/story.html
