SPENNYMOOR Town FC has said it will impose banning orders on fans if it finds they were involved in violence and criminal damage at its match with Darlington on Boxing Day.

The fixture between Spennymoor and Darlington FC was marred by vandalism and violence.

The match was temporarily halted as tempers flared between fans.

Read more: Crowd trouble at Spennymoor vs Darlington match sparks police appeal

Several people, including four police officers, were assaulted and damage was caused to property within and outside the club’s Brewery Field grounds.

More than a dozen suspects have so far been identified during enquiries by Durham Police.

Spennymoor Town FC released a statement this afternoon, saying it was disappointed with the incidents. 

It has appealed for anyone who is able to provide information to get in touch and has released an email address for people to contact anonymously.  

The club is working with police and says it will impose banning orders on any of its supporters who are identified as having been involved in criminal damage, assault or another criminal charge.

It said: “Spennymoor Town FC has been in close contact with Durham Constabulary since Boxing Day’s Vanarama National League North fixture vs Darlington at The Brewery Field.

“The organisations worked as a trio with Darlington FC in the build up to the match to determine appropriate safety and ticketing measures and were all in agreement pre-match that the game should be a showpiece for North East non-league football.

“The club is therefore extremely disappointed that instances of vandalism and violence took place during the game and continues to work with Darlington and Durham Constabulary to help identify the perpetrators.

“Spennymoor Town FC is a family friendly club with its roots firmly in the community; and such scenes are not welcome anywhere in football, especially not at The Brewery Field.

“Reports from the police that a number of officers were assaulted after the match in Spennymoor are also wholly unacceptable.

“Spennymoor Town FC will continue to assist the police with their investigations as a priority.

“The club will commit to imposing banning orders on any Spennymoor Town supporters who are identified as having been a part of criminal damage, assault or any other criminal charge as a result of 26th December 2021.

“The club is actively looking to identify such people.

“If Spennymoor supporters would like to provide anonymous information to the club or the Police on the incidents and assist with identification, they can email: matchdays@spennymoortownfc.co.uk.”

The match referee delayed the game for a short period during the first half of the contest, which ended 1-1.

Yesterday, a Durham Police spokesperson said: “Police are appealing for information following a disturbance at a football match between Spennymoor Town Football Club and Darlington Football Club on Boxing Day.

“Several people, including four police officers, were assaulted and damage caused to property during the incident within and outside the grounds of Spennymoor Town Football Club.

“More than a dozen suspects have been identified and enquiries are ongoing.

Officers want to hear from anyone who has any information following the Boxing Day incident, especially any mobile phone footage.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Paula Ruck at Paula.Ruck@durham.police.uk or calling 101 with extension 202449.”

Darlington FC has also issued its own statement calling on people to come forward with information.

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