Cheshire Constabulary defend decision to abandon Chester City FC’s match with Eastbourne Borough

Dec 2 2009 by Mark Dowling, Chester Chronicle

by MARK DOWLING

CHESHIRE Police have defended the decision to abandon Chester City FC’s match on Saturday, following two pitch invasion protests against the Vaughan family’s ownership of the club.

The home game against Eastbourne Borough was controversially abandoned in the 72nd minute, just after City had taken a 3-2 lead and about five supporters invaded the pitch.

Eastbourne players walked off the pitch with the match officials, followed about five minutes later by Chester City players and their manager Jim Harvey.

About 10 minutes after, an announcement over the stadium’s tannoy informed the 869 spectators in attendance the match had been abandoned on police advice over concerns for the safety of players and supporters.

Two supporters were arrested and released on bail without charge.

A Cheshire Constabulary spokesman said: “In the second half of the match, a number of individuals entered the playing area and would not return to their seats. The individuals were actively resisting the stewards.

“At the same time, police officers at the stadium were holding back a second group of people.

“Officers took the decision to call in further resources to maintain order within the stadium, however it became apparent certain groups of people were intent on being disorderly and in accordance with the match referee, the decision was made to abandon the match.

“In these situations, the safety of the fans, players and officials at the stadium is always the primary concern.”

A previous protest in the first half, which involved about 20 supporters, wearing hoods and displaying banners against Stephen Vaughan, passed peacefully and was swiftly resolved, while fans were placed back in the Vaughan Stand of the stadium.

Chester City fans have criticised the handling of the protests and the game’s abandonment.

One fan said: “Whilst it was understandable that the referee should remove players from the pitch until the non-violent protesters were rounded up, it should not have necessitated the abandonment of the game.”

Another supporter said: “Police officers and dogs arrived in such numbers there were almost as many of them as there were protesters and yet they appeared to be totally lacking any leadership.

“The actions or inaction of the police was totally disproportionate to the situation.”