Updated 21 October:
West Yorkshire Police has launched an investigation into incidents of disorder inside and outside Leeds United’s stadium during their match with Birmingham City on Saturday.
Crowd trouble began in the West Stand towards the end of the game, with stewards and police officers responding to the situation to keep fans apart.
Further disorder occurred outside the Elland Road ground and continued for around 45 minutes before the crowds were dispersed by police.
A number of stewards and police officers were assaulted during the incidents, which also saw items, including bottles and cones, thrown at both mounted officers and officers on foot. No serious injuries were reported.
Ten people who were arrested have now been dealt with.
A 44-year-old man, from Leeds, has been charged with assaulting an emergency worker and a public order offence, and a 25-year-old man, from Leeds, has been charged with criminal damage to a police vehicle. Both are due to appear at Leeds Magistrates Court on November 7.
Two men, aged 19 and 22, and a 17-year-old youth, all from Birmingham, were given a community resolution for being drunk and disorderly, as was a 56-year-old man, from Lincolnshire, who was arrested with them.
A 24-year-old man, from Leeds, and 20-year-old man, from Birmingham, were arrested on suspicion of assault and released under investigation.
Two further men, from Leeds, who were each arrested on suspicion of assault and affray, were released without charge.
Detectives are now carrying out a detailed post-incident investigation to fully capture all offences arising from the incidents and to identify those responsible.
Superintendent Chris Bowen, who heads operational policing for Leeds District, said:
“The behaviour seen during these incidents both inside and outside the ground was completely unacceptable and we recognise the need for there to be a full and comprehensive criminal investigation.
“These were isolated incidents involving only a relative minority of the supporters of both sides and it is fair to say this is the worst trouble we have seen at Elland Road for over a decade.
“We are currently recovering and analysing all available CCTV from in and around the ground to assist the investigation but we would still like to hear from anyone who has any phone footage or other information that could assist us in identifying those involved in the disorder.
“We also recognise there may be people who have been assaulted during these incidents but have not yet reported it to us, and we would encourage them to contact us as soon as possible so we have a full picture of all the offences that occurred.
“We are certain that the law-abiding majority of fans on both sides will want to support our investigation and help to send a very clear message that incidents such as these cannot and will not be tolerated.”
Anyone with relevant footage or other information is asked to contact the investigation team at West Yorkshire Police via 101 quoting Operation Bandshot or online via https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/contact-us
Police enquiries are ongoing following public order incidents at Saturday’s football match involving Leeds United and Birmingham City at Elland Road (19 October 2019).
Leeds District Police are appealing for witnesses following disorder incidents inside and outside the ground after the fixture.
They included a public order incident in the Birmingham City supporters stand at the end of the game and a subsequent public order incident in the coach park outside Elland Road.
Police resources were deployed outside the ground between supporters during the incident which lasted for about 45 minutes before fans dispersed.
Officers made 11 arrests in total, mainly for public order offences.
Minor injuries were reported to several match stewards
Chief Inspector Jon Arrowsuch, Match Commander of the event, said:
“Our enquires are ongoing into the incidents which took place at this afternoon’s game.
“Police resources were deployed outside Elland Road and officers made 11 arrests in total for offences both inside and outside the ground. Clearly these were scenes no-one would wish to see and we will be examining CCTV footage and working with both clubs as we investigate what took place.
“Anyone who has information about public order offences committed is asked to contact Leeds District Police on 101 referencing Police log 531 of October 19.”
This post is based on a press release issued by West Yorkshire Police
