Banbury Football Club has apologised and said it will work with police to identify the individuals involved in fights among a "large" number of supporters during and after a match.

Groups of supporters from Banbury United and Chester FC were involved in violent disorder involving a large amount of supporters of both clubs in the stadium and afterwards on Tramway near the ground on Tuesday (8/11).

No arrests have been made so far.

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Banbury FC's board of directors issued a statement: "Banbury United takes its responsibilities for spectator safety and enjoyment very seriously. We consult with all relevant parties and assess the risk before every game to try to put in place the right match day procedures.

"It’s clear from what happened last night, which saw the game unsegregated, the information we had was inaccurate.

"This is a very small minority who are tarnishing the name of the club we recognise that the vast majority of supporters come to support the team in a positive way as we strive to compete in the National League."

Disorder at two other Banbury United games earlier this season are also being investigated by police.

There was disorder before, during and after the Banbury United match against Hereford United FC on 27 August, involving both sets of supporters.

And police are still investigating an alleged racially aggravated assault and public order offence at the FA Cup fourth qualifying round fixture between Banbury and Bracknell Town on October 15.

Dedicated football officer PC Jon Evans said: “Unfortunately, a small group who have been attending Banbury United matches this season seem intent on causing problems and behaving in an inconsiderate and anti-social way.

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“We are working with Banbury United and partner agencies to deal with these issues but we are also appealing to the majority of genuine Puritans supporters to help with this.

“If you are at a game and see or hear something which shouldn’t be happening at a football match, then make the club aware.

“If you have any information relating to our ongoing investigations, then please contact us.

“Together we hope to put a stop to these issues by working with the club, fans, the local authority and other partner agencies to significantly reduce the impact it is having on the match day experience for genuine fans attending games.”

 

 

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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