Police question nine men over Leeds United v Birmingham City disorder at Elland Road

Officers in Birmingham have arrested several men in connection with violence and disorder at a Leeds United match.
Police want to identify the people in these pictures in connection with disorder at Elland Road Stadium following a match between Leeds United and Birmingham City in OctoberPolice want to identify the people in these pictures in connection with disorder at Elland Road Stadium following a match between Leeds United and Birmingham City in October
Police want to identify the people in these pictures in connection with disorder at Elland Road Stadium following a match between Leeds United and Birmingham City in October

Disorder erupted inside the stadium at Elland Road during the second half of the Whites' centenary match against Birmingham City on Saturday, October 19, before continuing outside after the match.

Six men were arrested today (Friday) at addresses in the West Midlands over the crowd trouble, which allegedly involved traffic cones being thrown at stewards and emergency service workers.

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Three other men were voluntarily questioned yesterday (Thursday).

Disorder erupted at Elland Road Stadium towards the end of the Leeds United v Birmingham City game on October 19Disorder erupted at Elland Road Stadium towards the end of the Leeds United v Birmingham City game on October 19
Disorder erupted at Elland Road Stadium towards the end of the Leeds United v Birmingham City game on October 19

West Yorkshire Police released images of several people they wanted to speak to in connection with the disorder, and detectives have managed to identify a number of suspects as a result.

All those arrested or voluntarily questioned have been released under investigation.

Ten people were initially arrested on the day of the match, two of whom were men from Leeds subsequently charged with offences, and four who were from Birmingham and Lincolnshire who were given community resolutions.

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Police are now continuing to try an identify other suspects from the disorder, and have released further images in a bid for help from the public.

Chief Superintendent Steve Cotter, Leeds District Commander, said: “The disorder caused by a minority of supporters on both sides at this game was completely unacceptable, and we hope the progress of our investigation and the arrests this week will serve as a very clear message to those who think they can engage in this type of behaviour.

“We are conscious that the two sides play again next week and we know that all genuine fans of the game, including the many families who attend matches, will join us in condemning this type of hooliganism as something that belongs firmly in the past.

“Our appeal for information received an excellent response both here and in the West Midlands and we hope people will continue to support us as we seek to identify the six remaining suspects shown on the images we have released today.

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“We are continuing to work closely with both clubs and our colleagues in West Midlands Police to ensure that people can continue to enjoy supporting their teams positively in a safe and trouble-free environment.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the investigation team at West Yorkshire Police via 101 quoting Operation Bandshot and the relevant image reference number or email [email protected] or contact us online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/contact-us

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.