Cleveland Police has been forced to apolgise and respond to criticism from fans over a message about matchday dogs at a North East football match.

On Saturday (December 5) the police force uploaded an image of two dogs ahead of the Hartlepool United and Stockport County clash on Saturday, warning supporters that there were four dogs on duty for those causing disorder who have been "practicing their smiles ready."

Fans were quick to hit out at the post, saying that it "sums up police attitudes towards match goers." 

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Cleveland Police has now responded to the criticisms, saying that the message was not intended to cause offense but that it "somewhat missed the mark". 

The original tweet, posted on the Cleveland Police Dogs account, said: "Hopefully all those visiting the Suit Direct Stadium will have an enjoyable visit whatever the result for Hartlepool United Vs Stockport County.

We have four dogs on duty today for anyone causing disorder. Including Kuro and Razor who have been practicing their smiles ready."

One social media user, who was unhappy with the police message, said: "No chance you'd tweet this aimed at any community of people other than football fans. Not a good look and sums up police attitudes towards match goers."

Owen West, who is a retired Chief Superintendent (specialist operations), described the post as "very poor."

He said: "You only need to read the replies to understand this is a very poor tweet. Is this really your message to home and away fans at a match in your area.

"I’m afraid to say It doesn’t reflect well at all."

On Sunday, a Cleveland Police spokesperson said: "We are aware of some members of the public voicing concern on social media regarding a tweet about our deployment of police dogs to the Hartlepool v Stockport match.

"The officers who issued the message certainly did not intend to cause any offence or concern, and it is regrettable that their pre-match message somewhat missed the mark. We will work with them to ensure this doesn’t happen again and this will include offering guidance on effective engagement with the public via social media.

"Cleveland Police always works hard with partner agencies to ensure football matches (and other large-scale events) are as safe, family-friendly and enjoyable for all as they can be - and our Dog Support Section plays an important part in this.

"No arrests were made at yesterday’s match, and this is testament to the excellent engagement and behaviour of fans from both sides. We would like to thank the fans and both clubs for this."

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