Praise for Burton Albion fans

May 11 2010

Police have praised Burton Albion fans for not getting drawn into violent scenes which marred the end-of-season match against Grimsby Town.

A total of 20 people, all from the Grimsby area, were arrested after Burton's 3-0 home win condemned the visitors to relegation from the Football League.

Staffordshire Police said 18 of those arrested have been bailed until dates in June and July pending further enquiries.

Two of those arrested received police cautions for public order offences after the violence, in which a police officer was injured.

Chief Inspector David Bird, who headed Saturday's police operation said: "The incidents of violence in and around the stadium involved a small minority of so called Grimsby fans who decided to take out their anger on police officers and stewards.

"Police and stewards were able to contain the incidents but there is no doubt regular supports from both sides were shocked and concerned by the behaviour of what was a mindless minority.

"Despite a great deal of provocation, Burton Albion fans behaved impeccably and didn't get involved in incidents in and around the stadium and for that we are very grateful."

Chief Inspector Bird added that police were now studying CCTV and television footage of the violence and warned that further arrests were likely.

"Now is a good time for anyone who was involved in violence or damage and who thinks they have got away with it, to get in touch with us before they received an early morning knock on the door from police," he said.