Police criticised over handling of violence at Wolves match
The police have 'significant issues to consider' when dealing with violence at football matches, according to a report due out this week. An investigation was called after a match on August 31.
It was called to look into the way the police handled trouble during and after the match between Port Vale and Wolves. Trouble broke out around the Vale Park stadium during Wolves 3-1 win, with some supporters running onto the pitch and others setting off flares in the stands.
The disturbances spilled over into Burslem town centre afterwards, when missiles and bottles were thrown at officers and a police car was vandalised.
Twenty-two people were charged in the wake of the fighting, while the Independent Police Complaints Commission – IPCC – said they received seven complaints relating to dog bites.
Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis said the report – which would usually be confidential – highlights lessons the police must learn from the incident. The redacted report is being released this week.
"There are significant issues for the police to consider now and in future operations of this type," he said.
According to Mr Ellis, the report says better use must be made of specialist advice about how police dogs are deployed.
He said the report also examines the accuracy of information passed via police radio, whilst Port Vale Football Club's role in the incident is also scrutinised.
"There are pertinent questions as to whether the club itself could have been more proactive in dealing with inappropriate chanting by parts of the crowd as well as the issue of investment in infrastructure which could assist with safety."
Mr Ellis added he was also concerned about the length of time it took the IPCC to complete the report.
He said: "My view is that this report has taken longer than it needed to and I have asked the Chief Constable to ensure greater rigour around timescales and he has accepted this needs to be addressed."
Meanwhile a separate review is being undertaken by Greater Manchester Police, who expect to have their findings by the end of November.
The seven complaints relating to dog bites are currently under investigation by Staffordshire Police's Professional Standards Unit.
