Police have launched an investigation following disorder and an alleged assault during Weymouth’s Southern League fixture away to Yate Town on Saturday.
Trouble broke out among supporters shortly after kick-off at Lodge Road, leading to a delay of around an hour. The match eventually resumed at 4pm with Weymouth leading 1-0, and the visitors went on to secure a 2-0 victory.
Avon & Somerset Police said the incident involved groups of supporters, with several people ejected from the ground by stewards. Officers also responded to a separate altercation at Yate railway station after the game, assisting British Transport Police. A report of an assault at the ground is being investigated, although no serious injuries were reported.
Neighbourhood Inspector Stephen Baines said officers are working with partner agencies, including Dorset Police, to identify those responsible. He added that violence at football matches is unacceptable and arrests will be made once offenders are identified. Enquiries will include reviewing CCTV and body-worn video footage.
In a statement, Weymouth Football Club chairman Ralph Ricardo said it was “deeply disappointing” to be involved in such incidents, which disrupted the match and negatively impacted the team’s performance.
He said the club is working with Yate Town to help identify those involved and acknowledged that both sets of supporters were implicated. The statement also highlighted concerns that some of those involved were younger fans, with tensions potentially fuelled by social media and rivalries with nearby clubs.
Ricardo added that the situation was made more challenging by the layout of the ground, which does not easily allow for supporter segregation, and revealed that individuals from the local area had attempted to enter the stadium to cause further disruption.
He stressed that while away support is valued, it must not be used as a backdrop for disorder, urging fans to behave responsibly and represent the club in the right way. He also noted that the club has introduced measures at home matches to better identify supporters, including those under 16, and will continue working with other clubs to promote safety.
Despite the disruption, he praised the players for showing “great character and determination” to secure an important win, but said the flow of the game had been affected by the early incidents.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 5226078154 or via the force’s online appeals form.
