Police release a statement after a Leeds fan assaults a police officer whilst attending Middlesbrough v Leeds at the Riverside Stadium on Wednesday.
Cleveland Police thanked the overwhelming majority of supporters who attended the Championship clash, which the Whites won 1-0 in front of 24,647, of that was 4,500 away fans.
The incident is said to have taken place in the concourse, with @granddayout replying to Cleveland Police: “Absolute rubbish he was in a queue for a pie and a pint in the concourse when police targeted him for no reason. He was with me and my son but this will go further.
Whilst no photos or videos has been posted of what went on, you can see just how busy it was inside the away end.
The full statement from Match Commander, Superintendent Sharon Cooney, said: “I would like to thank the overwhelming majority of law-abiding people who attended the game tonight, watched the match and supported their team.
“Inevitably, there were a minority of people intent on causing disorder and officers looked to deal with those sporadic incidents promptly, effectively and in the safest possible manner.
“Tactics including holding back the Leeds United supporters were utilised to minimise any incidents of disorder.
“Public safety has remained our primary aim during the planning stages of this game and throughout tonight’s match.
“One 19-year-old-man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and he remains in police custody at this time.
“Again, I would like to thank the law-abiding majority who attended the game and the supporters for their patience during the hold back.”
Absolute rubbish he was in a queue for a pie and a pint in the concourse when police targeted him for no reason. He was with me and my son but this will go further.
— Grand Day Out (@granddayout) February 26, 2020
Police were praised for their fantastic operation making sure that fans made their way into and out of the ground in a good manner without any flare ups and fights.
A fantastic policing operation in #Middlesbrough this evening from @ClevelandPolice, @WestYorksPolice, @northumbriapol, @NPMounted, @WYPHorses & @ClevePol_Dogs sadly one police officer has been assaulted this show how incredible our police are. #Boro v #Leeds pic.twitter.com/CgPmkIHBzV
— Police Hour (@PoliceHour) February 26, 2020
Fans gave their reaction after reading the police statement and finding out that a Leeds fan assaults a police officer at Middlesbrough…
Why was it inevitable?
— Gavin Drake (@GavinDrake) February 26, 2020
The whole tone of this operation from start to finish hasn’t been great. The approach seems to be one that many forces are actively looking to move away from or at least seems to be the case from academic research. What level of involvement have fans, from either club, had?
— KristineGreen 3x? 3x? (@krispygreen84) February 26, 2020
"Inevitably there were a minority….." says it all when they start with the view that there will be trouble
— Sarah M-N ??? (@NottsMariner) February 26, 2020
The way I read it, the fact police need to be involved from the onset suggests theres is an 'inevitable' risk of issues when crowds this large coming together – the comments not specific about either fan base more the state of society
— leanne Taylor (@LMooT1) February 27, 2020
Can you clarify why dogs were used?
— Tom (@Tdp0709) February 27, 2020
Totally unjustified policing and obvious cost to local taxpayers. Was like going back to the seventies,have a word with @PNEPolice and learn how to treat a large following. They police double the number of away fans.
— Dave Calvert (@DaveCalvert1) February 27, 2020
Letting leeds fans in with the home fans doesn't help
— craig wilson (@craigbw) February 27, 2020
Ah right, I wasn’t sure if you were referring to the pubs in town. Every effort is made to make sure everyone can enjoy the day and hopefully a good result on the pitch!. I speak to the football club regularly so I will certainly pass on your feedback. #utb
— Cleveland Football (@ClePolFootball) February 27, 2020
Fucking dickhead Boro police treating us like it’s the fucking 1980s. Absolutely fucking stupid holding 4,000 #LUFC fans back
— MJ (@elland_toad) February 26, 2020
Letting the attacks dogs jump up whilst snarling at kids was a new one on me
— Neil-Kevin Augustin (@na1988198) February 27, 2020
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