Police in Bristol say they are making ‘significant progress’ in the investigation into violence that broke out after Bristol City’s match with Blackburn Rovers last month, although no arrests have yet been made.
Police appealing for help to identify around half a dozen Bristol City fans who beat up two Blackburn fans aged 49 and 20, in scenes which the Ashton Gate club described as ‘appalling’.
The scenes were captured on the stadium’s own CCTV, as well as being filmed by another fan, with the video showing six or seven City fans punching and kicking the two Blackburn fans to the ground and continuing the attack.
After the attack, which took place after the final whistle on the stadium’s outer concourse, Marina Dolman Way, police said the attack was unprovoked, and only stopped when other fans intervened to stop it.
Bristol City FC said they were ‘appalled’ by what happened and were working with the police to identify those involved. Now, ten days, and still no arrests have been made, but police are confident they will find those responsible.
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“We’ve had a lot of information from the public and support from Bristol City Football Club, which we’re grateful for, and we’re making significant progress with the investigation,” a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police said.
Club bosses were left shocked at the violence, which took place next to the ‘fan village’ on the corner of Marina Dolman Way and the South Stand. “We are appalled by this incident and will take action against those who engage in such violent behaviour,” a spokesperson for the club said.
“We have passed on all available video footage to Avon & Somerset Police and will work with them to identify and prosecute the attackers and we will fully support any football-wide banning orders. Anyone with information relating to this incident should please contact Avon and Somerset Police,” they added.
Aside from police prosecutions and charges, which may lead to banning orders imposed by courts, Ashton Gate Stadium bosses are understood to be preparing bans for anyone identified, which would include any sporting or entertainment events, including concerts.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police said: “We’re carrying out an investigation after two men were assaulted following the football match between Bristol City and Blackburn Rovers at Ashton Gate Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The two victims, aged 20 and 49, were walking along Marina Dolman Way heading towards Parson Street train station when they were attacked by a group of other males. They suffered injuries including cuts and bruises. We’re aware of the footage circulating on social media and will be using this to help identify those responsible.”
Sgt Sam Bracey said: “This was completely unacceptable behaviour in which the two victims were punched and kicked by the offenders in an unprovoked attack, which only stopped when other members of the public intervened. We’re making enquiries at pace to identify those responsible and we’re working closely with Bristol City Football Club to review all available CCTV.
“In addition to a criminal investigation, we’ll also be pursuing football banning orders, as there’s no place for this kind of indiscriminate violence in football. If you have information which could help our investigation, please call us on 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5225021530,” they added.