Argyle 'to work to cut Plymouth Exeter derby violence'

Twenty arrests were made at the match, which saw fireworks thrown on to the pitch

Plymouth Argyle has said it will be working to prevent future trouble at its football ground after violence broke out at a derby match this week.

At least 20 people were arrested on Tuesday at the Devon derby between Plymouth and Exeter City.

The two sides are due to meet again in League One on 11 December.

Argyle's chief operating officer, Tony Campbell, said options being looked at included controlling the exit of fans from Home Park stadium.

The match, on Tuesday evening, was the first Devon derby between the two teams for more than eight years.

Violence broke out in the stands during the game when bottles, fireworks and coins were thrown at police and stewards, and one steward was knocked unconscious and kicked as he lay on the ground.

'Disgraceful' behaviour

Visiting fans were also attacked as they tried to leave the stadium.

Devon and Cornwall Police said there were more than 60 officers at the match, but "disgraceful" behaviour by a minority of fans put police and stewards under intense pressure.

Mr Campbell said they were was looking at the size of segregation areas between fans in the ground's stands to avoid trouble, and that he was talking with police about how to control the exit of fans.

He said: "There are lots of things we can do to improve the safety of the ground and we will be doing that."

He added: "I think that this was just a one-off incident, and I don't expect it to be repeated."

Exeter City won the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Southern Area tie 2-1, with a last-minute goal.

Police have already said more officers would be on duty during next month's game.