York City fans take issue with a statement coming from Cleveland Police on incidents in Hartlepool with eight arrests made.
Police condemned “significant violent disorder” that took place after Hartlepool won 2-1 at home to York on Saturday afternoon.
York City say they have been dismayed at how their travelling fans had been treated by police, with witnesses slamming how heavy handed officers were with some young fans ‘in tears’ amid the overreaction.
The Minstermen plan to lodge a complaint following ‘disgraceful’ treatment of fans by police. Now Cleveland Police have had their say on what took place.
@ClevelandPolice what an absolute disgrace! An innocent lad, with his hands up, trying to avoid trouble being bit by the dogs and handcuffed, spending the night in a cell! One of hundreds. Hang your heads in shame! #ycfc pic.twitter.com/skbXp4UGDT
— Joe Kilvington (@joekilvington5) January 29, 2024
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POLICE STATEMENT:
A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “Eight people were arrested by Cleveland Police after significant violent disorder followed the Hartlepool United FC and York City FC match on Saturday 27th January 2024.
“It became apparent from the beginning of the event, that there were a minority of people who were intent on causing disorder as officers were faced with confrontational and aggressive behaviour.
“During the game there were a number of incidents including three flares thrown in the stadium and a coin thrown at the Hartlepool goal keeper.
“Arrangements had been put in place to keep fans from opposing clubs separated, however these arrangements were not observed by a number of York City fans, some of whom were wearing face coverings.
“Officers were then faced with a large crowd of York City supporters in Hartlepool town centre who appear to have charged towards Hartlepool United fans in the town; something which would have been extremely intimidating and terrifying for members of the public to see.
“Cleveland Police Officers then worked with officers from British Transport Police at the train station to ensure the York City fans boarded the train without further disorder.
“The officers deployed to this policing operation are experienced officers who specialise in football liaison events. Those officers rightly used a number of tactics to prevent further violences occurring, and to protect members of the public from harm.
“Cleveland Police would welcome any discussion with York City Football Club around Saturday’s events, and how this type of violent behaviour and offending can be prevented in the future, in order to keep the public safe.”
“Officers thank the majority of fans who attended and enjoyed the game in a safe and responsible manner”.
Arrest details:
A 16-year-old boy, a 20-year-old man and two 21-year-old men, all from York, were arrested on suspicion of Public Order Offences. All have been bailed pending further inquiries.
A 20-year-old man from Norton has been charged with being Drunk Whilst Trying to Enter a Sports Ground.
An 18-year-old man from Thirsk has been charged with a Public Order Offence.
An 18-year-old man from York has been charged with being Drunk and Disorderly.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of affray. He has been bailed pending further inquiries.
Waited to see what @ClevelandPolice would come out with statement wise and sure enough absolute lies and cover up. Here’s a @YorkCityFC fan being bitten trying to get to the platform so he could go home and then “resisting arrest” 🤥 , didn’t like being filmed hey lads #ycfc pic.twitter.com/BgaqWvGV08
— A2P (@AndrewP98215999) January 29, 2024
YORK CITY SUPPORTERS’ TRUST STATEMENT:
In light of the events surrounding the Hartlepool vs. York match on Saturday, the York City Supporters Trust (YCST) is fully aware of the issues raised by fans and is actively supporting York City Football Club in their investigation into the matter.
It is essential to acknowledge that reported incidents outlined this evening by The Cleveland Police do not entirely align with the experiences of many fans and our members. While we respect the efforts of the police, we urge a comprehensive and fair examination of all sides of the events to ensure an accurate representation of the situation and resulting actions for all parties to prevent a repeat of similar events in the future.
YCST would like to see a broad review of all plans and subsequent events that engages both football clubs and supporter organisations (YCST & Hartlepool Supporters Trust) alongside the police and stewarding companies. This review should include evidence collected from a range of sources including personal statements and social media. York City Supporters who wish to share their experiences can contact the Club and Trust via enquires@yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk and info@ycst.org.uk.
For those fans who have encountered issues during the recent events, the Football Supporters Association (FSA) offers valuable advice and support. The FSA collaborates with experienced solicitors specialising in fans, football, and the law. For those who require assistance, YCST encourage them to utilise the resources outlined on the FSA’s website here https://thefsa.org.uk/our-work/casework/. YCST has engaged with the FSA regarding the weekend.
The York City Supporters Trust remains committed to fostering a positive and safe environment for football fans. We look forward to the outcome of the investigations and trust that the process will bring clarity to the events that transpired.
The York City Supporters Trust is a community-owned organisation dedicated to supporting York City Football Club. We are committed to promoting the best interests of the club and its supporters, and we continually strive to enhance transparency, inclusivity, and member engagement.
YORK OWNER MATT UGGLA:
Great statement. I know a lot of you have sent videos to me directly but please follow the link in the statement so we can collect them properly.
Seen some worrying stuff about how the police treated York fans and it’s pretty disgraceful. A dog fully biting someone when all he’s definitely just trying to get through the station. Will sit down Monday and make sure we make a complaint. Poor from the police.
YORK CITY STATEMENT:
York City Football Club are shocked by the footage seen, and are very aware of events that unfortunately occurred, following Saturday afternoon’s fixture against Hartlepool United.
We strongly condemn any form of violence, in any setting, from anybody.
Further steps are now set to be taken to fully investigate Saturday afternoon, ensuring that the right measures are in place for the future.
The Football Club will make no further comment at this stage until it has met with key personnel surrounding yesterday’s events.
There’s your absolute first port of call. @NYorksPolice. Get him gone. #Ycfc pic.twitter.com/We5xAaavfq
— Sean Coffey (@SeanCoffey96) January 29, 2024
York City vs Hartlepool 🏴👊🙈 pic.twitter.com/jelp9gHMrs
— Football Fights (@footbalIfights) January 27, 2024
Didn’t capture the full thing but thought it needed posting on here. For context, at this point everybody had moved back into the station & nobody else was about bar York at this point. What’s the heavy handed-ness all about? The police escalated the situation, bang out of order pic.twitter.com/u9hHA3GZMi
— G (@George_ycfc) January 28, 2024
SC Block REDS wrote: “SC Block Reds are absolutely disgusted after Saturdays events. We hope the correct measures are taken and we know the club & trust will do everything they can for the fans voices.
“We hope everybody involved is okay as it was truly awful to witness. Cleveland police need a full investigation + York officer Mr Pearson (Yellow and blue clothing mouthing off coming up close to the cameraman trying to scare him away nearer the end) into the tactics they used on York fans that evening.
“And as Matt Uggla said on Twitter if anybody has any footage, use the link on the supporters trust twitter to send over any media as evidence. Click the section in red to take you there. FOOTBALL FANS DESERVE TO BE TREATED BETTER.”
As mentioned, York fans take issue with the police statement on incidents in Hartlepool with eight arrests made, this is how Twitter users reacted…
@Alanlharris62: Agree. Very good statement [from York City Supporters’ Trust]. The Cleveland police one got me angry and I wasn’t even there. Probably picked up but noticed a couple of comments on the Facebook site from disabled fans who said poor view,was between the two sets of fans and view made worse by more stewards arriving
@fisherjon10: Yes, there were some idiots following York on Saturday but, in no way, did that justify some of the police’s actions which were thuggish. Dogs should only be used in extreme circumstances, not to bite people with their arms in the air. Disgusting @ClevelandPolice
@YcFc_Sisso: Cornered a couple of hundred people in a train station and then set upon anyone that dared move. Arrested anyone that the dogs decided to bite, and the easiest way to justify the loss of control is to slap people with public order offences.
@YcFc_Sisso: Gets worse the more you watch it, the lads hiding behind a door due to the aggression by both the officers and dogs. Only one group of people showing threatening behaviour and they aren’t wearing red and blue.
@LSissoYCFC: @ClevelandPolice stick your fucking statement as far up these fuckers arses as possible, joke, start to finish, no attempt of separation of fans (apart from a pub not big enough) and let fans disperse onto the same road with not separation, then this, and battering women & kids.
@Harry98390122: Should be ashamed hope the lad is ok #ycfc
@TheSasquatch74: Absolute joke of a police force you lot, chomping at the bit for trouble & when it wasn’t happening you decide you want some bother & to get stuck in, no wonder teeside is so desolate, who in their right mind wants you visit that dump policed by you scumbags
@brien_del: Unbelievable this.. hands up trying to get around the door.. pushed and then attacked by a dog.. @ClevelandPolice justify that.. #ycfc
@JM1876x: the amount of videos popping up from this day says a lot. same old story. same old bullies. fuck cleveland police!
@rhys_grainge: And I thought SYP was bad
@J_Goulding86: ACAB!!! Biggest and worse firm in the country!!! Corrupt as fuck
@Wathey: I’m sure plenty there deserved to be lifted, but this is crap @ClevelandPolice. The statement released tonight is a disgrace too.
@ShayneHynes2: Coppers at footy honestly the worst never rag a rapist like this tho 🤷
@wxbster_: Police once again proving themselves why they’re also failure in this country
@Jordwalker19: That’s absolutely shocking
@richardpotty: Underfunded yet can show up for footie day 🤢🤮 filth by name and filth by nature. Scum
@Ki3ran_K: People are still surprised this is how a seriously corrupt police force act?
@JackHeartshorn1: Absolute jokers. Can’t defend that. Hopefully someone has a video of the other one too #ycfc
#YCFC So you rightly let a dog bite a man trying to get on a train @ClevelandPolice https://t.co/S3GU56UFNS pic.twitter.com/lOJNQ1TGlh
— Charlie (@Charliebwright1) January 29, 2024
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