Disorder arrests following Midlands derby

A small number of males have been arrested in connection with disorder offences following the Midlands derby match between Stoke City FC and Birmingham City FC at the bet365 stadium last weekend.

The match took place on Saturday 5 November at home and saw Stoke City defeated 2-1 by Blues at home.

After the game, we arrested a total of eight males on suspicion of multiple offences, including:

- A 37-year-old man, from Tamworth, arrested on suspicion of possession of a flare at a sporting event and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place
- A 35-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, arrested on suspicion of violent disorder
- A 35-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, arrested on suspicion of affray
- A 33-year-old man, from Dudley, arrested on suspicion of being in possession of class A drugs
- A 28-year-old man, from Kettering, arrested on suspicion of affray
- An 18-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, arrested on suspicion of racially-aggravated harassment
- A 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy, both from Stoke-on-Trent, arrested on suspicion of affray.

The 18-year-old man has since been granted conditional police bail while inquiries continue.

The other arrested males have been released under investigation.

PC Benjamin Greensides, Dedicated Football Officer at Staffordshire Police, said: "I'd like to thank the vast majority of the attending fans, both home and away, whose behaviour was exemplary before, during and after, the match.

"The minority of individuals who caused a small number of disturbances were dealt with quickly and appropriately.

"This type of behaviour is always disappointing and can often spoil the experience of genuine supporters.

"This is why we continue to work closely with Stoke City Football Club around plans for match days in order to minimise the impact of any disorder on our communities, and I would like to express my thanks to all the officers and staff that have helped us deliver this policing operation."