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Police issue images after fighting and ‘bottles thrown’ at Coventry match

Police issue images of fans they want to talk to after fighting and ‘bottles thrown’ took place at a Coventry City match last season.

It saw groups of hooligans took to fight with each other in and around the Coventry Building Society Arena for a Championship fixture which finished 1-1.

Hooligans were said to be causing trouble at the match against Derby County on the 23rd of October 2021 with detectives saying there was a ‘disorder’ between both sets of fans inside the stadium on the divide.

Officials have also confirmed that there was ‘further disorder’ outside the CBS Arena on the grass next to the South Stand Car Park. Bottles and objects were thrown as fights broke out between several groups of men.

Officers were assaulted during the attacks with one suffering a dislocated shoulder and was treated in hospital, and another three officers had minor injuries.

Police say the level of violence was ‘totally unacceptable’ and extensive enquires have been under way in the months following the disorder.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “We want to speak to these men after fights broke out during a match at Coventry Building Society Arena. Coventry City played Derby County in a Championship fixture on 23 October last year, and there was disorder between both sets of fans inside the stadium on the divide.

“There was further disorder outside the stadium on the grass area next to the South Stand Car Park. Bottles and objects were thrown as fights broke out between several groups of men. Officers were assaulted during the attacks.

Police want to speak to these men and several others after fights broke out at a football match in Coventry

“The level of violence – which our officers put themselves in the middle of to protect people – was totally unacceptable and our Football Policing Unit has been carrying out extensive enquiries in the months since the disorder.

“They now want to speak to these men and urge anyone who knows them to please get in touch using our Live Chat service on our website. Please quote crime number 20/1811994/21. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Assistant Chief Constable Jayne Meir, said: “While the vast majority of football fans attend matches to enjoy the game,  it is wholly unacceptable that officers get injured during violence like that seen. 

“A full investigation is under way in partnership with the club and those found to have taken part in the disorder face prosecution and a lifetime ban from matches.”

For the return match, Coventry City’s league match at Derby County in March was brought forward by two hours.

The match was initially scheduled to take place at the traditional time slot of 3pm, but is now set to kick-off at 1pm, instead.

The alteration came after Derbyshire Police’s request due to the incident that happened.

Ahead of that fixture, Derbyshire Police said: “Sadly, this season we have seen an increase in football-related disorder from some people who are intent on disrupting the match day experience of others, and the reputation of the teams they follow.

“We will be working closely with our policing colleagues and Derby County Football Club throughout the day to promptly tackle any such issues and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

“The mounted police always go down well with supporters, and we encourage fans to chat to officers throughout the day.

“Our approach to all football fixtures is to engage in a positive way with all fans and help them to get the best possible experience out of the game.

“Our policing operation will, first and foremost, be engaging and welcoming

“So whichever team you support, be loud, be proud and be a credit to your club.”

Social media users reacted as police issue images after fighting and ‘bottles were thrown’ at the Coventry match last year…

Allison Gedrim: That’s shocking 😡

Dave Green: Idiotic behaviour, tarring the reputation of the club and increasing our costs on policing.

Dave Faulkner:
Derby fans started it.
Coventry fans finished it.
Derby got what they deserved.
Well done 👏 Coventry lads

Louise Strong: I’m sure the derby fans also targeted the cherry tree a family pub where kids and families were after the match, absolutely disgusting behaviour, the videos I seen were terrible. They should be ashamed of themselves

Kevin Bracken: Lifetime ban for the lot of them kids and families go to these matches

Mark Norris: Just when I think I can’t hate Coventry any more…Shameful.

Ste Mak: I’m a season ticket holder and retired lawyer. Derby instigated this. Police and stewards knew there would be afters yet antagonised by standing around, shepherding fans from their rightful path away from the ground, shouting about their dogs and playing with their drone cameras. A number of stewards often inflame by their attitude and forget it’s the fans paying their minimum wages 😡

Andy Heanes: Football lads only get involved with other football lads, no innocent people get hurt, just let them get on with it

Jon-Ross Lewis: Horrible game – had my 3 young boys with me and walking out the ground was horrific. Bumped into the middle of a herd of Derby fans at the top of Foleshill Road 🤦🏼‍♂️ just remember saying to my kids – don’t talk or say a word 😮‍💨

Demi Fivey: As if this is still a thing at football matches makes me cringe grow up 😂😂😂😂

Patricia Harding: Disgusting

Drew Barnett: All part of a good day out 😉

Si Mallett: People still haven’t learnt big brother is watching us all no doubt they’ll get grassed up and be nicked soon lol 😂

Charles Ford: Usual suspects I see…

Ken Glennon: A good example to your kids. Nothing changes with you guys runs in your genes.

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