Dunston and Northumbria Police release a statement on the half time incident with a donation page launched to deal with repair costs.
Four men have been arrested after a disturbance during a pre-season friendly on Friday night with fans left shocked as two cars, one of which a hearse, drove onto the pitch at half time.
They were driven in circles, ruining the pitch, before a number of leaflets were chucked. The drivers wore masks, before then abandoning the hearse and climbed into the other car before making off through the gates.
The referee took the decision to abandon the game, at a stage where the sides were drawing 1-1.
Three men, aged 19, 19 and 32 were arrested on suspicion of affray with another man, aged 41 arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage.
Plenty of action at Dunston v Gateshead tonight. But I didn’t expect it to be in the half time break. Match abandoned.
Shocked and dazed the poor player from down south told me, “I’ve just come up for a trial.” pic.twitter.com/g2obzuDYPw— Colin Scott (@Scott12Colin) July 21, 2023
Dunston UTS Vs Gateshead abandoned becos this happened 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/j3wtGR56K9
— Nik (@notN1k84) July 21, 2023
DUNSTON STATEMENT #1:
Following the events at The UTS Stadium last night, the 21st July 2023. The club would like to make the following statement.
‘We are all deeply saddened at the events that took place last night. Thankfully nobody was physically hurt or injured.
The club would like to put on record that one individual named on the leaflets distributed during the pitch invasion, have had no connection with Dunston UTS FC, in any official capacity, for over 2 years. The other individual has no connection with our club whatsoever.
We stress, we are a family orientated community club and apologise for any distress felt by our supporters and visitors, particularly the younger fans.
We will be working as hard as ever to repair the damage caused to our pitch and perimeter fencing and look forward to the forthcoming season.
At this point as it is a live investigation the club will be making no further comments.
Our brilliant squad have set up a fundraiser following last night’s events at The UTS Stadium.
Costs will go towards the ground repairs. Anything helps and thank you to everyone who has donated so far.#WeAreDUTS 💙https://t.co/6nZ5zdRUcv
— Dunston UTS FC (@DunstonUTSFC) July 22, 2023
DUNSTON STATEMENT #2:
On Friday the 21st June at approximately 8:20pm a serious incident occurred at the UTS stadium in a pre season game between Dunston vs Gateshead. A large crowd of approximately 400- 500 people including family’s with young children were in attendance, fortunately no one was hurt or injured during incident.
However, after tireless hard work and efforts from the Dunston’s groundsman and staff improving the pitch and facilities for the forthcoming 23/24 season, the new pitch was severely damaged along with fencing surrounding the pitch and car park gates leading into the ground.
Dunston football club is a family oriented club, as players we are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred during the game. With the new 23/24 season starting in just under 3 weeks today; as players of Dunston we want to support and raise money for the vital work on and around the pitch for our club that is now required, to be ready for our first home game on the 12th August.
Any donations or support to our club would be greatly appreciated 💙
Thank you from the Dunston Squad.
POLICE STATEMENT:
Four men have been arrested following a disturbance during a football match in Gateshead yesterday evening (Friday).
An investigation was immediately launched – and extensive enquiries have been ongoing to establish the circumstances, and locate those involved.
Three men aged 19, 19 and 32 were arrested on suspicion of affray. Another man, 41, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage. They remain in police custody.
Disorder will not be tolerated and anyone found to be involved will be dealt with robustly.
Thank you to those who have come forward to assist the investigation.
People are reminded to avoid speculation online and on social media.
Police will remain in the area throughout the weekend – and those with concerns and info are encouraged to speak with an officer.
Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with info or footage, who has not yet spoken to police, should get in touch. Your info could prove vital.
🖱️☎️ Report info via officers on duty, using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or call 101 quoting ref: NP-20230721-1154.
This is how social media users reacted as Dunston and police release a statement on the half time incident with a donation page launched…
@easytelecomms: Drop us a DM and we will pay to replace the boards with sponsorship.
@BroadheadKraig: Dunston great club with tremendous volunteers and fans…….from the outside it may be easy to judge but when you know you know….. good luck this season we’ll be down to cheer you on
@planetglenn: It’s going to be a nightmare for any hearse drivers driving close to any local football grounds this weekend.
@Jon1982Mu: Surreal scenes. Hoping you are able to sort the pitch out soon.
@donmaarko: Wishing all at the Fed good luck in getting the pitch repaired.
@JoeToonMad1: Good luck with the repairs!!!
@pmcleod1972: Good luck with the repairs – more unnecessary expense 😕
@david_renwick: An awful evening for everyone in attendance but this communication should hopefully make it a safe place to return. All the very best for the season ahead and for the work required to repair the damage from last night
@kiebolton18: Mental that a football club have had to come out and distance themselves from an individual who is risking other people’s well being because he refuses to man up. @stevewraith endangers not only his wife, but kid fans of a football club too.
@geordiecat2012: A fantastic family club, hope they can get the pitch sorted in time. Good luck.
@nickr_sg1: Hope the damage done can be repaired.
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