Cumbria police are warning a small minority of football fans who are intent on causing trouble that they are not welcome to attend Carlisle United FC matches this season. The warning comes after police dealt with two separate incidents of football-related disorder at ‘friendly’ pre-season football matches over the last few weeks. As a result, officers say that they are determined to target the small group of unruly fans so that they do not spoil the enjoyment of others.
Two people were arrested at Carlisle Railway Station after the Carlisle United v. St Mirren game on July 27; and four people were arrested on Warwick Road during the CUFC v Middlesbrough game on August 3.*
Chief Inspector Mark Pannone who leads on policing Carlisle United’s games said: “Over the past few seasons, Carlisle United has had a very low profile with regards to disorder. However, it seems that a group of younger fans are risking Carlisle United’s excellent reputation before this season has even started. Four arrests were made during the Middlesbrough game and efforts are being made to identify others involved in the disorder.
“Both Cumbria Constabulary and Carlisle United are committed to maintaining a zero tolerance approach to football related disorder and we will work together to identify anyone involved so that they do not go to matches and spoil the enjoyment of families and other genuine supporters.
“We will do everything we can to ensure that offenders are prosecuted and taken to court.”
John Nixon, Managing Director of Carlisle United, said: “Carlisle United will continue to work alongside the police and take a zero tolerance approach to troublemakers. We will take whatever steps are necessary to isolate and ban any fans who cause disorder inside or outside the grounds.”
Separately a Chesterfield fan has been given a five-year Football Banning Order after being involved in nuisance behaviour on a train following the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final at Wembley. Gareth Jones (27) was handed the order by magistrates in Chesterfield on Wednesday, August 1 after he was found to have committed a public order offence while travelling back from London after the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final on Sunday, March 25.
Jones, Rosewood Close, Chesterfield was banned from going to home or away matches following a joint application to magistrates by Derbyshire Constabulary and British Transport Police.
PC Allan Guy, football intelligence officer for the Derbyshire police, said: “Let this send a clear message to anyone who engages in football related disorder. The police will use all legislation necessary to deter those who are intent on causing problems at any fixture either home or away.”
Police add that breaching the order is a criminal offence and could lead to a prison sentence.
