With the biggest game at the County Ground in a couple of years not going the way of the home team one of the largest police operations at a Swindon sporting event for a long while took place today with a number of police from forces as far afield as Devon and Cornwall helping keep fans separated.
A number of arrests were made during the day before, during and after the game.
Statement on behalf of Superintendent Adrian Burt:
“Despite the actions of a small minority of attendees at the Swindon v Oxford match who were intent on causing trouble, the game passed without any major incident. Five arrests were made, three of which related to pitch invasions, one on suspicion of disorder and the fifth related to the assault of a police officer. Fortunately the police officer was not seriously injured. The five arrested men remain in custody at Swindon Gablecross Police Station.
“Police were faced with some challenges in escorting a considerable number of Oxford fans into the ground, which necessitated the need to close roads for a short time to ensure safety for all. Any issues presented were quickly contained. We recognise that any issues were not caused by the loyal football supporters but by those who wished to disrupt the game and the enjoyment of fans.
“After the match a group of approximately 800 Oxford fans were escorted from the ground peacefully and dispersed without any issue, with any impact on the local community kept to a minimum.”
