Police made arrests as fan violence flared up before and after the Swindon Town's derby match at Reading.
The EFL Trophy match on Tuesday evening was the first meeting of the old rivals in 21 years and saw Swindon beaten 5-0.
While the match itself at the Select Car Leasing Stadium was far from a contentious affair other than a Swindon fan running into the pitch to taunt the home supporters, videos started to emerge on social media afterwards of clashes between the two sets of supporters.
Thames Valley Police has now issued a statement following the scenes of unrest, confirming that at least two arrests were made.
A spokesperson said: "Thames Valley Police is investigating several incidents related to last night’s (10/10) match between Reading and Swindon Town at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
"A 23-year-old man, from Reading has been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and has been released on bail.
"Another man was arrested on suspicion of a Section 5 public order offence, they have since been de-arrested."
The two teams had not met since February 2002 and some fans were keen to pick the old rivalry back up straight away.
Swindon vs Reading pic.twitter.com/XYzzzhXhbc
— ;) (@_oxly_) October 11, 2023
In videos that have surfaced online, mainly on Twitter, a number of violent incidents can be seen.
The first video shows several hooded people can be seen gathered around someone laying on the floor, reportedly being kicked, including what appears to be several times in the head.
Kicking off after the Reading vs Swindon game in the EFL Trophy tonight👀 pic.twitter.com/QDCjqLd4ar
— Football Away Days (@AwayDays_) October 10, 2023
A second video seemingly shows two people laying on the floor injured while security in high-vis vests control the situation.
Another video showed police escorting a group of Swindon fans to the stadium, with large crowds of Reading fans antagonising them.
The police spokesperson added that the force was working closely with Reading as part of its enquiries.
They added: "If anyone saw anything or has mobile phone or dash-cam footage of the incidents please call 101 or make a report online quoting reference 43230456491."
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