LEEDS and Birmingham supporters clashed as the Whites’ win over the Blues was marred by 11 arrests. Kalvin Phillips’ strike lifted Marcelo Bielsa’s side to second in the table in front of a season-high 35,731 attendance at Elland Road. Following the defeat, Birmingham fans clashed with mounted baton-wielding police as officers attempted to apprehend a […]
LEEDS and Birmingham supporters clashed as the Whites’ win over the Blues was marred by 11 arrests.
Kalvin Phillips’ strike lifted Marcelo Bielsa’s side to second in the table in front of a season-high 35,731 attendance at Elland Road.
Following the defeat, Birmingham fans clashed with mounted baton-wielding police as officers attempted to apprehend a supporter that invaded the pitch.
Officers were forced to close safety gates to keep both sets of fans apart with a video surfacing online of travelling Blues chanting and goading Leeds fans.
Witnesses claimed that Birmingham supporters attacked police and stewards as well as hurling missiles, including smashed up seats, at them.
West Yorkshire police appealed for witnesses after disorder inside and outside the ground.
A statement confirmed 11 had been arrested, mainly for public order offences, while minor injuries were reported to several match stewards.
Chief Inspector Jon Arrowsuch, Match Commander of the event, said: “Our enquires are ongoing into the incidents which took place at this afternoon’s game.
“Police resources were deployed outside Elland Road and officers made 11 arrests in total for offences both inside and outside the ground.
“Clearly these were scenes no-one would wish to see and we will be examining CCTV footage and working with both clubs as we investigate what took place.”
A female steward was reportedly injured in the clashes until police restored order around an hour after the final whistle.
Fan footage online showed a line of stewards in hi-vis jackets unceremoniously drag one fan out of the stands and handcuff him on the pitch.
One onlooker said: “Terrible scenes inside Elland Road from the Birmingham City fans. A few stewards receiving punches and kicks as they tried to apprehend a Birmingham fan who ran onto the pitch.”
Noel Whelan reacted on BBC Radio Leeds: “Disgusting scenes. Absolutely no need for it. They [Birmingham fans] threw a flare into the Leeds end, trying to antagonise them. Then it all starts kicking off on our own stewards. They should be ashamed of themselves.”
Police and stewards also had to deal with issues near the Fullerton Car Park just outside the crowd as trouble spilled on to the streets.
Asked about the shocking scenes following Birmingham’s defeat, Blues boss Pep Clotet said: “Of course you don’t want violence in the game anywhere.
“I just hope that no-one is hurt and calmed down as much as possible. You come to football to enjoy it and have a good day.”
Birmingham were fined £42,000 last month after a pitch invader punched Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish during The Second City derby in March.
The Blues loss at Elland Road was their fourth in their last five league games, and has left them in 12th while Leeds are now just two points behind leaders West Brom.
