Ollie Pearce’s 40th minute strike was the sole talking point on the field on as York City win 1-0. However off it, numerous arrests by the police have become the main point of contention.
Nine people have been arrested by the police, comprised of eight York and one Hartlepool fan, after Cleveland police had issued a dispersion order to deal with the anticipated clashes between Hartlepool Town and York City fans.
Superintendent Paul Richardson said prior to the match: “We will have officers present to provide that reassurance and to detain and disrupt anyone who does cause disorder. We have powers in place to respond quickly on the day and in the long term can look to issue football banning orders.”
Saturday’s arrests include two men charged with being drunk and disorderly and one attempting to enter the stadium whilst intoxicated.
Another two were arrested approximately 15 minutes into the game for possession of pyrotechnics and homophobic abuse.
Four more were arrested at the train station, where it is alleged by York City fans online that police used excessive force when arresting the men, spraying pepper spray in an enclosed train carriage.
When contacted, a Cleveland Police spokesperson clarified: “There were four arrests made at the train station, made by British transport police.”
York City supporter Will Flat published videos on X of the arrests in the train station.
This follows a previous incident between York and Hartlepool, where fans clashed alongside police in January of 2024, during this incident the police arrested eight York fans, some as young as 16 for “significant violent disorder.”
York City Supporters Trust issued a statement prior to the match that said: “We urge all supporters to represent their clubs in the right way – back your team, respect the citizens of Hartlepool and fellow fans, and enjoy the game responsibly.”
Following the disorder, a club statement was posted by York City stating: “York City Football Club are aware of a number of arrests made in Hartlepool yesterday involving York supporters. We will speak with the relevant authorities and will investigate the incidents. Until we have more details, the club will be making no further comment. We will communicate more once appropriate.”
Police are urging anyone with witness statements or evidence to come forward, information can be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visiting their website.
