‘Violent disorder’ with punches thrown between Banbury and Chester fans as footage emerges

‘Violent disorder’ broke out with punches thrown between Banbury and Chester fans in midweek as new footage emerges on social media.

An investigation is underway after police say ‘violent disorder’ broke out between supporters from Banbury United and Chester during a National League North match. Officers believe a number of pyrotechnics were also let off during the fixture.

Police say the disorder continued on Tramway near the ground after the 2-2 draw on Tuesday night, a clash, involving both sets of fans, was broken up by cops, who are also continuing to investigate reports of disorder at other Banbury matches this season.

Officers say one person was arrested after disorder at the game against Hereford United on the 27th of August.

Banbury United vs Chester 08/11/2022 pic.twitter.com/0viuUt7Lrz

— Casual Chaps (@CasualChaps) November 11, 2022

They were subsequently ‘de-arrested’. Officers also look into reports of an alleged racially aggravated assault and public order offence at the Bracknell Town and Banbury United FA Cup fourth qualifying round fixture on October 15th.

No arrests were made after Tuesday’s match against Chester. Appeals for information have been made to the public after disorder at the three games saying a ‘small group’ of the clubs fans have been causing issues.

Dedicated football officer from Thames Valley Police, PC Jon Evans said: “We have started an investigation into violent disorder and pyrotechnic offences which took place at the Banbury United FC and Chester FC National League North fixture at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium on Tuesday, involving both sets of supporters.

“Resources have had to be diverted from their regular duties to deal with these incidents, and this may have had some impact on the service we are able to provide to the wider public. However, we will always maintain our ability to respond to incidents where threat, harm and risk is at its greatest.

“We are appealing to anyone with information about these offences to contact us by calling 101 or making a report on our website, quoting reference number 43220505142. This comes after other investigations were launched into alleged offences at two other Banbury United fixtures this season.

“There is an investigation under way due to disorder before, during and after the Banbury United and Hereford United FC fixture on 27 August this year, involving both sets of supporters. We are still appealing for any witnesses of this to get in touch by quoting reference number 43220385947.

“We are also still investigating an alleged racially aggravated assault and public order offence at the Bracknell Town FC and Banbury United FA Cup fourth qualifying round fixture on the 15 October. Again any witnesses should call 101 or make a report online, quoting reference number 43220466819.

“Unfortunately, a small group who have been attending Banbury United matches this season seem intent on causing problems and behaving in an inconsiderate and anti-social way. We are working with Banbury United and partner agencies to deal with these issues but we are also appealing to the majority of genuine Puritans supporters to help with this.

“If you are at a game and see or hear something which shouldn’t be happening at a football match, then make the club aware. If you have any information relating to our ongoing investigations, then please contact us.

“Together we hope to put a stop to these issues by working with the club, fans, the local authority and other partner agencies to significantly reduce the impact it is having on the match day experience for genuine fans attending games.”

A Banbury United spokesman said: “We would like to apologise to supporters at last night game who were impacted or affected by the issues at the game. Banbury United takes its responsibilities for spectator safety and enjoyment very seriously. We consult with all relevant parties and assess the risk before every game to try to put in place the right match day procedures. It’s clear from what happened last night, which saw the game unsegregated, the information we had was inaccurate.

“We will work with the police and Chester to identify the individuals involved from both clubs in the disorder and take appropriate action against them. We have also worked hard to help the police identify those involved in incidents at previous games.

“This is a very small minority who are tarnishing the name of the club we recognise that the vast majority of supporters come to support the team in a positive way as we strive to compete in the National League.”

Twitter users reacted to ‘violent disorder’ with punches thrown between Banbury and Chester fans as footage emerges…

@bodybuzzrecs: getting this worked up over 6th tier football. it’s beautiful, truly

@carefree1965: Vaping and fighting lads lads..

@jshprsns: Banbury blackout boys in full flow @Dansuckling9

@whu333: Banbury got history after Bracknell Town earlier this season

@BlairMcNally1: Love it 🤣🤝

@BDCPFC: Phwoarrr

@DanRolls7: Banbury blackout crew getting chinned! Love to see it

@MartinWhitman1: Lessons to be learnt by the club and the police. Unfortunately when it’s wet, cold and a work day people will stay away now. Banbury is becoming known for this type of thing and I think it will be too little too late now. Footballers should not be trying to break up fights.

@OxonBadger: This is a real shame. We were planning to come to some games during the World Cup but won’t if there is trouble all the time @BanburyUnitedFC

@scottneedham88: Nature is healing

@realguysmith: Surely Banbury can identify the fans causing the trouble from clips like these? The club doesn’t seem to have got a grip on it all season so far..

@Bushpig_Spotter: Trouble most weeks but £££’s through the turnstiles is more important. Points deducted coming soon!

@wilkes_craig: They should be banned from all away matches and make their home ones segregated

@AlanGre11808763: I imagine a few lads wont be going to school soon once the police catch up with them.

@akaDickTurvey: This is disgraceful.

@cfcalex03: the banbury yoof again, shit club, shit fans

@Chris_Brown7: So many fantastic things happened at Banbury United but sadly an element has crept in who just want trouble. Fighting in the terraces tonight and flares being thrown by Banbury supporters into the Chester fans. Bringing shame on our town sadly

@TomShell17: Banbury fans are vile… Should be kicked out of the league