Rovers set to clamp down on soccer yobs
Keepmoat Stadium.
DONCASTER Rovers have pledged to clamp down on trouble makers following the arrest of four fans after violence broke out at an away game.
Police and stewards moved in during Saturday’s League One clash at Hartlepool United when Rovers supporters began brawling among themselves following the awarding of a controversial penalty.
The angry scenes erupted after referee Graham Scott gave the spot-kick which put the hosts into a 1-0 lead and which Rovers manager Dean Saunders later described as “dodgy”. The game eventually finished 1-1.
The trouble comes just two weeks after Rovers fans were involved in a sick act of vandalism at Leyton Orient when the initials “DRFC” were daubed on a toilet wall using human excrement.
A club statement said: “Officials and fans of Doncaster Rovers have been disturbed by the report of unruly behaviour which was witnessed at Saturday’s match.
“Individuals, supposedly ‘supporting’ DRFC, engaged in aggressive behaviour at the ground which has severely damaged the reputation which true Rovers’ fans have enjoyed over many years.
“Club officials are actively working in partnership with other organisations to identify individuals who are tarnishing the club’s reputation through such unruly behaviour and will not hesitate to action bans wherever appropriate.”
One fan who witnessed the brawl but who refused to be named said: “It was mayhem.
“These young lads were having a go at each other and next thing, the police and stewards were dragging people out.
“I don’t know what caused it all to kick off but its sad when fans are fighting among themselves.”
No Hartlepool fans were involved in the clashes which saw two 17-year-olds, a 19-year-old and a 22-year-old all arrested on suspicion of affray and taken into custody at Hartlepool Police Station.
They have since been bailed, pending further investigation, a spokesman for Cleveland Police said.
A spokesman for Hartlepool United refused to comment on the incident.
The violence comes after the vandalism at Leyton Orient’s Brisbane Road ground on September 29 which also drew heavy critcism after photos of the damage were posted on social media websites.
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Tuesday 18 June 2013
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