Three arrested after man seriously injured during disorder at Flintshire football match

Three people have been arrested following disorder at a football game in Flintshire in which a supporter was seriously injured. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

North Wales Police has launched an investigation following the violence which left two fans injured, one seriously according to the force. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

Shortly after 5.30pm on Saturday (April 8th), officers responded to reports of disorder between fans at the JD Cymru Premier fixture between Flint Town United and Caernarfon Town at the Essity Stadium in Flint. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

The match was abandoned and a man who was seriously injured within the stadium was airlifted to Aintree Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

Detective Inspector Dean Jones said: “A 15-year-old male, a 19-year-old man and a 41-year-old man have been arrested in connection to the incident on suspicion of violent disorder and wounding with intent. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

“They have all since been bailed pending further investigation. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

“Anyone who witnessed the incident and has information that could assist with our investigation is asked to contact us on 101, or via the website, using reference A050936.” ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

Superintendent Nick Evans added an extensive investigation has now been launched in order to identify those involved in the disorder at the stadium to ensure all who contributed to the violence are prosecuted. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

He said: “Such scenes will not be tolerated and in addition to prosecutions, we will be seeking football banning orders to prevent those involved attending any future football matches. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

“We are also working with the Football Association of Wales to ensure such an incident is not repeated.” ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

Flintshire North District Inspector Wesley Williams said: “Our teams will also be increasing their visible presence at future matches to prevent any further disorder and we will be making contact with the Welsh FA and Flint Town United in due course to agree a way forward for future games.”

In his match report on the Flint Town United website, Nigel Sheen, the clubs press officer wrote:

“Two sets of mindless yobs (I won’t call them supporters) set about to tarnish the reputations of both clubs, as they clearly turned up in the expectation of causing trouble.”

“It’s such a shame for the genuine supporters to witness scenes like that, and is a bitter blow for all the volunteers who work tirelessly on behalf of the club to try and promote the right image.”

“My thoughts go out to the individual who was hospitalised after the incident and I hope he makes a full recovery.”

“The swift actions of a couple of real supporters in helping the man, aided by the paramedics and respective physios in the immediate aftermath of the incident deserves much praise.”