York City fans call for review of police handling of crowd trouble

Eight people were arrested by Cleveland Police after the Hartlepool United's match against York City on Saturday

York City fans have called for a review of the way Cleveland Police handled crowd trouble following their 2-1 defeat at Hartlepool.

Eight people were arrested after what police described as "significant violent disorder" on Saturday.

The force said the arrests came after a "large crowd" of York supporters "charged" a group of Hartlepool fans.

York City Supporters Trust (YCST), however, said their account did "not entirely align" with that of many fans.

In a statement the Trust said: "While we respect the efforts of the police, we urge a comprehensive and fair examination of all sides of the events to ensure an accurate representation of the situation and resulting actions for all parties to prevent a repeat of similar events in the future."

More than 1,000 York City fans travelled to Hartlepool for the National League fixture.

Afterwards, as many made their way back to the railway station, pockets of violence erupted as some people clashed with police.

Cleveland Police said six men, aged between 18 and 21, and two 16-year-old boys, were later arrested.

York City Supporters Club said it wanted a "fair examination of all sides of the events"

However, some York City supporters have shared videos on social media and questioned police reports of the events, with some sending emails to Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Steve Turner complaining about what they say happened.

Sarah Johnson, who lives in Middlesbrough but supports York City, described what she saw as "police brutality", alleging officers had "attacked people for no reason".

Meanwhile, another supporter speaking to BBC Radio York claimed police had "lost their heads" and had treated all fans "like the biggest load of head cases that ever lived".

In a statement the YCST said: "It's essential to acknowledge that reported incidents outlined by Cleveland Police do not entirely align with the experiences of many fans."

It said it was "actively supporting" the club in an investigation into Saturday's events.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: "The officers deployed to this policing operation are experienced officers who specialise in football liaison events.

"Those officers rightly used a number of tactics to prevent further violence occurring, and to protect members of the public from harm.

"Cleveland Police would welcome any discussion with York City Football Club around Saturday's events, and how this type of violent behaviour and offending can be prevented in the future, in order to keep the public safe.

"Officers thank the majority of fans who attended and enjoyed the game in a safe and responsible manner."