Police have released pictures of more than ten football fans following incidents of disorder at Oxford United matches earlier this year.
Officers believe the men in the 16 images might be able to help their inquiries into altercations that led to eight arrests at United’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy home clash with Millwall on February 2 at the Kassam Stadium.
One of the images also relates to disorder that took place when Oxford beat Portsmouth at Fratton Park on January 23.
Sergeant James Blackmore, who is leading the post-match investigation entitled Operation Brazil, said: “We believe the men in these photos may have vital information about incidents of disorders during Oxford’s home match against Millwall and the away match against Portsmouth. Thames Valley Police believes the men in the images could have ‘vital information’ about the incidents of disorder.
The incidents led to a horse from the force’s mounted section called Odin receiving a cut to his leg from a bottle, while another horse was also hit on the head by a bottle.“If you are pictured in these images or know who the men are, please contact police immediately.”
Supt Christian Bunt, Local Policing Area (LPA) Commander for Oxford, said: “We have a small minority of people who call themselves Oxford United fans who think it’s acceptable to cause disorder at football matches.
“We will not tolerate this type of behaviour. We will proactively arrest and deal robustly with anyone causing disorder at Oxford United matches home or away. Oxford United is a family club and there is no place for these so-called supporters to ruin it for everyone else.
He added that police have arrested 15 men in connection with disorder since the Wycombe game in December
