THE CHAIRMAN of a supporters’ group has joined Bradford City in condemning mindless yobs involved in trouble during the club’s trip to Hartlepool United, resulting 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.
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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 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.
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He said: “We saw a couple of police cars going past but we did not witness anything directly as we were all stood 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.”
Supporter Jonny Bray 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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Sergeant Adrian Dack, from Cleveland Police Football Unit, said: “Officers were threatened and some grown adults and teenagers thought it was acceptable to throw objects including concrete and glass bottles at police, and some people carried sticks with nails embedded.
“Rest assured that enquiries are ongoing with the full support of Hartlepool United FC to identify those believed to be involved in the disorder yesterday evening.”
A club statement from the Bantams read: “Bradford City AFC has launched a full investigation and is cooperating with Hartlepool United and both Cleveland and West Yorkshire Police, following events surrounding Tuesday evening’s trip to the Suit Direct Stadium.
“Club officials are working with the relevant authorities and studying CCTV footage obtained on the day of the fixture in order to gather as much information as possible and identify others involved.
“Bradford City AFC will proceed to contact others who are believed to have been involved in Tuesday’s incidents and take the necessary action.
“The club asks anyone who may have any further information which could be of assistance to e-mail helpdesk@bradfordcityafc.com or call 01274 773355.
“Bradford City has a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of foul or abusive behaviour, and condemns these actions - which have brought the club into disrepute.”
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