Only a ‘small minority’ cause trouble at South Yorkshire derby

POLICE have praised the behaviour of fans during Sheffield United’s home game against Barnsley despite having to deal with disorder caused by “a small minority”.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Nov 2014, 13:16 BST
A minute's silence during the Sheffield United vs Barnsley match. Pic : Martyn Harrison © copyright : Blades Sports PhotographyA minute's silence during the Sheffield United vs Barnsley match. Pic : Martyn Harrison © copyright : Blades Sports Photography
A minute's silence during the Sheffield United vs Barnsley match. Pic : Martyn Harrison © copyright : Blades Sports Photography

More than 170 officers were involved in policing the game at Bramall Lane on Saturday, which ended 1-0 to Barnsley.

Nearly 3,000 away fans travelled from Barnsley to Sheffield for the game as part of the 24,500 attendance in the stadium.

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South Yorkshire Police said yesterday that although there were “a few incidents by a small minority”, the “majority of fans were there to enjoy the game”.

One person was arrested for assault after the match in Sheffield city centre and three people were ejected from the game. Two were forced to leave for smoking in the ground and one ejected at the turnstiles.

Superintendent Scott Green, who commanded the operation, said: “I’d like to thank everyone, for their cooperation at today’s match.

“With nearly 24,500 fans, almost 3,000 of them being away fans, there was the potential for trouble to start.

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“We did have a few incidents of disorder break out after the match, by a small minority causing trouble but these were quickly dealt with by officers on the ground.

“We will now be conducting a post match investigation and those involved in the disorder can expect to be arrested.

“The majority of the fans were there to enjoy the game and I’d like to thank these fans for ensuring the match was a safe and enjoyable game for everyone. “

South Yorkshire Police also had to carry out a large-scale operation on October 17 when Leeds United played against Rotherham United at the New York Stadium. A “significant and highly-visible police presence” was mounted.