Though a Lincoln City FC home friendly against Leicester City was cancelled on Saturday, August 4, the cathedral city saw disorder. Two groups of known trouble makers were present in Lincoln from Lincoln and Leicester. Lincolnshire Police reported that a small number of officers managed to keep the two groups apart.
Police dealt with an incident of disorder on Guildhall Street at about 4.45pm when rival supporters clashed. Chairs and tables were used during the fight which broke out. As a result, two males from Leicester were arrested for public order offences. Seven dispersal notices were issued to males from both Lincoln and Leicester, instructing them to leave the city centre.
A further arrest was made of a Leicester male for breach of the peace at Lincoln train station.
Earlier Lincolnshire Police reported intelligence that the match may be disrupted by people travelling to Lincoln with the intention of causing disorder. With the club, police decided to cancel the match on the grounds of public safety.
Chief Inspector Kieran English said: “We understand that fans will be disappointed about the cancellation of this match but it is a friendly fixture rather than a league game and our primary concern is the safety and welfare of the general public. We have carefully assessed the plans and preparations we have in place for such events and have concluded, with regret, that the risk to the public is just too great. We are very grateful to Lincoln City Football Club for agreeing to cancel this fixture on the grounds of safety of their fans and the public of Lincoln.”
