A FRIENDLY game between Colwyn Bay FC and visiting Chester descended into chaos when “mindless thugs” in the crowd faced off.
Police flocked to the football ground on Llanelian Road on Saturday afternoon when Chester FC supporters began to fight amongst themselves.
Roger Skinner, Colwyn Bay FC president, said: “A great spectacle has been spoilt. The police have had to use batons and tazers. Police dogs were brought in to control the troublemakers, and a police helicopter was also deployed.
“What happened is really sad because the majority of people inside the ground were well behaved.”
Colwyn Bay Football Club expressed its “sincere apologies” to fans caught up in the disturbance and confirmed a full review of the incident would be carried out in conjunction with North Wales Police “as soon as possible”.
A spokesman added: “As a family orientated community football club it is deeply disappointing when these instances occur, however, thankfully, they are a rare event at our club and we will be doing everything possible to ensure it stays that way.
“The club would also like to point out that no Colwyn Bay supporters were involved in the incidents that occurred and that the efforts of its staff and volunteers throughout the day were exemplary. However we would also like to point out that the vast majority of Chester FC supporters, in the 1,700 strong crowd, were extremely well behaved.”
Police confirmed two Chester supporters were arrested ahead of Saturday’s game in the town centre after causing a public disturbance, and another fan was arrested at the grounds.
The men were brought to Colwyn Bay station and escorted by officers and British Transport Police out of the town.
The fan fighting has sent shockwaves through the football community, resulting in games being cancelled along the North Wales coast.
North Wales Police have come to an agreement with Rhyl FC that their match against Chester FC on Saturday, July 17 is cancelled after intelligence received suggested further disruptions may occur.
Chief Superintendent Andy Williams said: “The events at Colwyn Bay on Saturday were unacceptable. Police resources from across North Wales were called in to deal with groups of people causing violence both before and during the game.
“I deliberately do not refer to these individuals as ‘football fans’ and I recognise that the majority of Chester FC followers are law abiding people who simply want to watch a game. However, we are not willing to tolerate a repeat of despicable behaviour by a minority of mindless thugs intent on causing harm to people and property.”
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