POLICE have told how a huge operation was mounted in Weymouth as large numbers of fans congregated for a local football derby.
There was a major police presence in the town on Easter Monday ahead of Weymouth playing Yeovil Town FC for the Vanarama National League fixture.
READ MORE: Weymouth 0-0 Yeovil Town: Quality missing for Terras
There is a historic rivalry between the two clubs and the force was prepared with a 'dedicated policing operation' involving specialist public order officers, police dogs, local teams and the British Transport Police.
A large number of visiting fans were seen drinking in the town centre early on Monday and attendance at the game was 2,609 - more than double the amount usually at Terras' matches.
Apart from an incident after the game when flares were discharged outside the Bob Lucas Stadium and efforts being made to escort Yeovil fans away from the area, police said there were no major incidents. The one arrest involved a Weymouth fan who reportedly threw a bottle onto the pitch during the game.
Chief Superintendent Richard Bell, local policing commander and silver commander for the event, said: "A dedicated policing operation was put in place for the match involving Weymouth and Yeovil, with officers from Dorset Police working with the football club and British Transport Police to put plans in place.
"Section 35 dispersal powers were authorised ahead of the event, supporting officers by giving them powers to address any anti-social behaviour before, during or after the game."
Dorset Police said the force received reports prior to the match of around 100 supporters gathered at The William Henry (Wetherspoon pub).
Chief Supt Bell said: "Officers attended and no offences were identified; they helped to ensure that supporters attended the ground without incident."
He added: "Following the game, a request was made to Weymouth supporters to wait in the stadium as officers and stewards facilitated the safe exit of the large group of away fans.
"It was reported that green smoke was set off in the stadium car park during the dispersal of the away supporters. The crowd subsequently dispersed at the direction of police.
"No further incidents or issues were reported, and the majority of Yeovil supporters were believed to have returned home on the 5.30pm train."
Police said they were grateful for the support of Weymouth FC and British Transport Police.
Chief Supt Bell said: "No section 35 dispersal orders were issued on the day and there was just one arrest relating to a report of a home supporter throwing a bottle onto the pitch during the game.
"Local officers were supported by specialist public order officers and police dogs to ensure a visible presence in the town before and after the game, as well as at the match itself.
"We would like to thank the vast majority of fans who attended the game and enjoyed it in the right spirit and co-operated with the directions of officers and club officials throughout. Particularly, we would like to thank Weymouth supporters for their patience after the game as they were asked to remain in the ground."
A spokeswoman from British Transport Police said: "We work closely with all local forces when it comes to policing football."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel