Handcuffed Barnsley fan wins damages after police dog bites him on the back

The 22-year-old was bitten on the back while on his way to Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane ground in April last year, the Football Supporters’ Federation said.

The man said he was pulled out of a group of supporters by two police officers.

He told the FSF website: “Before I’d even finished speaking I was pulled out of the small group and across the road by one policeman and a female officer. There was also a dog handler behind me and the dog - an Alsatian - jumped up and bit me on the back.

“I tried to explain to the officers that I had been bitten and was in pain. The female officer told me to shut up and that there was nothing there. She told me to stop moaning and that she was bored now.

“Blood was running down my back by now, I managed to pull my top up, even though I was still handcuffed, and show the female officer my injuries but she said ‘It’s nothing, just a scratch’.”

He said he was then made the subject of a Section 27 order which allows police to move someone from a specified locality for a period of up to 48 hours if the police say they pose a risk of alcohol-related disorder.

His solicitor, Darren White, pursued a claim for false imprisonment, assault, negligence and breach of human rights.

He said it was a “a classic example of heavy-handed policing at football matches”.

A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: “Derby matches can be highly charged but are usually good-natured affairs, with trouble caused only by a minority of people.

“South Yorkshire Police will continue to take whatever action is needed - including the use of Section 27 notices - to police such games in a bid to keep the majority of those attending safe.

“On occasions where fans believe mistakes have been made, the situation will be reviewed and, if appropriate, action taken.”