Police throw out drunk fans

4:09pm Tuesday 26th August 2008

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FANS were booted out of Northwich Victoria’s ground on Saturday after they turned up to a match drunk and disorderly.

Police were called to the Marston’s Arena, in Wincham, during the Northwich Vics v York City game to help club stewards deal with drunk York fans.

Sadly a minority were intent on causing trouble and the disorder shown both inside and outside the Marston’s Arena was unacceptable.

Jerry Allcock, Cheshire Police football liaison officer

Onlookers say two coach-loads of fans were turned away from Saturday's match but three fans were ejected from the stadium itself, one for repeatedly kicking advertising boards, one for threatening the stewards and one for leaving a child sitting on top of a terrace crush barrier despite warnings and advice.

Jerry Allcock, Cheshire Police football liaison officer: “Each football fixture is assessed at the start of, and during, the season to determine the correct method of crowd control.

“This fixture was designated as a ‘steward only’ match although local officers were aware of the potential for a sizeable away following.

“The vast majority of York fans were well behaved and had travelled to Northwich to enjoy the football.

“Sadly a minority were intent on causing trouble and the disorder shown both inside and outside the Marston’s Arena was unacceptable.

“Thankfully this disorder did not result in violence between fans and although a steward was pushed to the ground by York supporters, there were no serious injuries.”

At the final whistle, visiting supporters were filtered out of the ground using specific turnstiles and shepherded on to waiting coaches.

There were no outbreaks of disorder in Northwich town centre related to the York City fans.