Nine people have been arrested after a Hartlepool match on Saturday despite pleas for the tie against York City not to end in disorder as it did 14 months ago.
The clubs issued a united plea this week ahead of the repeat fixture urging fans “to represent their clubs in the right way”.
Last January (2024) fans clashed after Pools beat York, with flares being thrown during the game and video circulating on social media of street fights after the final whistle near the train station.
“We want this fixture to be remembered for what happens on the pitch, not off it,” the National League sides said on Thursday (February 27).
Video shows street fighting after game in January 2024
A dispersal order was imposed ahead of the 3pm kick off at The Prestige Group Stadium. Officers were posted around the stadium, Marina, town centre and train station with police warning they could impose football banning orders as a deterrent to antisocial behaviour.
York Fans were escorted to the stadium by a line of uniformed police.
Eight away fans and one home fan were cuffed and taken away by officers, Cleveland Police confirmed.
One was arrested before making it into the stadium and police were seen removing some York fans from the away end about 15 minutes into the game.
Two people were arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, one on suspicion of possessing a pyrotechnic or flare, another on suspicion of trying to enter the ground while intoxicated, and one on suspicion of a homophobic public order offence.
Read next:
Click here to join our WhatsApp community and get breaking news updates direct to your phone.
It is understood four more were arrested at the train station. The British Transport Police has been contacted for further information.
Saturday’s tie ended with last January’s scoreline reversed, as the away side clinched a 1-0 win.
The clubs have been contacted for comment.
