Police renew CCTV appeal following disorder at Chester match

Police investigating crowd disorder during Chester FCs match against Brackley Town at the end of the season are renewing their CCTV appeal for people they wish to speak to.

Trouble started shortly after the final whistle of the playoff semi-final match at the Deva Stadium on Sunday, 7 May. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

Following the end of the game, a large number of Chester supporters entered the pitch.

They attempted to access the away supporters stand, leading to a chaotic scene where missiles were thrown towards the Brackley Town fans and onto the pitch.

As part of their inquiry, officers have issued CCTV images of individuals they are eager to speak to in connection with the disorder.

They are calling on the public to help identify these people and asking anyone who recognises them to get in touch.

PC James Wright from Chester Proactive Team, voiced his concern about the incident, saying: “The behaviour of some of the fans following the match was unprovoked and was totally unacceptable.”

“Since the incident we’ve been working closely with Chester Football Club to identify the people responsible.”

Earlier this week Chester FC received an FA misconduct charge in relation to the crowd disorder.

It is alleged that the club failed to ensure that spectators and/or its supporters (and anyone purporting to be its supporters or followers) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion whilst attending the match and do not use words or otherwise behave in a way which is improper, offensive, violent, threatening, abusive, insulting or provocative.

A club spokesperson said: “We recognise the serious nature of this matter and are continuing to support Cheshire Police’s investigation into the disorder.”

“The club has accepted the FA charge and will provide details of the outcome in due course.”

Anyone with information about the incident or recognises the individuals in the CCTV images, are asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101, or visit www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us, quoting IML 1539302.