THREE men have been charged following a pitch invasion during Oxford United’s League One clash at Swindon Town on Sunday.

The trio from Swindon will appear before the town’s magistrates on February 22.

Samuel George Bladen-Hovell, 20, from Ashbury Avenue, Paul Alan Johnson, 22, of no fixed abode, and James Robert Trott, 23, of Thames Avenue, were charged with entering the field of play, an offence under section four of the Football Offences Act 1991.

Johnson and Trott were also charged with a public order offence.

Wiltshire Police said a 44-year-old from Aylesbury was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and a 24-year-old man from Abingdon had been arrested over the assault of a police officer.

Both men have been bailed pending further inquiries.

There were heated scenes outside the County Ground before the League One fixture, which United won 2-1.

Wiltshire Police spokeswoman Claire Usher added: “We are also reviewing all CCTV and body worn camera evidence and will take subsequent action against any other offenders from yesterday.”

Police had ramped up their presence at the Swindon stadium for the game at midday and scuffles broke out from both sides ahead of kick off.

Flares were launched into the air and bottles thrown with some striking officers' helmets.

One fan was reportedly being treated by paramedics.

Speaking yesterday Wiltshire Police Supt Adrian Burt said: "Despite the actions of a small minority of attendees at the Swindon v Oxford match who were intent on causing trouble, the game passed without any major incident.

"The five arrested men remain in custody at Swindon Gablecross Police Station.

"Police were faced with some challenges in escorting a considerable number of Oxford fans into the ground, which necessitated the need to close roads for a short time to ensure safety for all. Any issues presented were quickly contained.

"We recognise that any issues were not caused by the loyal football supporters but by those who wished to disrupt the game and the enjoyment of fans."

Supt Burt added that 800 Oxford united fans were escorted back to the railway station peacefully and without trouble.

Wiltshire Police said ahead of the game that 250 officers from five different forces had been drafted for the game.

The kick off time had also been brought forward to midday from the usual 4pm start in a bid to minimise the potential for trouble.

Oxford Mail:

Picture: Chris Humphreys.

During the second half of the match feelings were running high and two fans thought to be Swindon supporters were seen to race onto the pitch before they confronted U's fans.

Stewards quickly grabbed the two supporters and led them from the ground.

The final score, after four minutes of injury time, was Swindon Town 1 Oxford United 2 after a good strike from 20 yds by Dabo, and goals from Sercombe and Hall -For our full match report click here.

Speaking ahead of the match about the potential for trouble Wiltshire Police said that the force would step up patrols for the match to stamp out on anti-social behaviour.

Superintendent Adrian Burt from Wiltshire Police said: “The public will notice an increase in police presence before, during and after the match and this is to maintain public safety whilst minimising community disruption.

“Body worn video cameras will be used by officers in order to support this event.

"The use of these cameras will help assist the police with capturing evidence for prosecutions in turn providing speedier justice.”

Oxford Mail:

Derby clashes between the two clubs have seen a number of fans arrested for anti-social beahaviour in the past.

At the home game between the two clubs in September six arrests were made by Thames Valley Police for minor disorders.