Fans confront each other and smoke bombs thrown at U's derby game in Swindon
A SERIES of arrests have been made following today's derby clash between Oxford United and Swindon Town which sparked confrontation between fans outside County Ground.
Wiltshire Police confirmed five men have been arrested following the match which saw heated scenes outside the Swindon stadium before kick off with smoke bombs being thrown.
Three men were arrested after invading the pitch, one man arrested for a disorder offence and one man arrested for assaulting a police officer.
Oxford United V Swindon Town Derby 5/2/17
Oxford United V Swindon Town Derby 5/2/17
Wiltshire Police Supt Adrian Burt said: "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.
"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."
Supt Burt added that 800 Oxford united fans were escorted back to the railway station peacefully and without trouble.
Police had ramped up their presence at the Swindon stadium for the game at midday and scuffles broke out from both sides ahead of kick off.
Flares were launched into the air and bottles thrown with some striking officers' helmets.
One fan was reportedly being treated by paramedics.
Fans clash ahead of the Swindon vs Oxford derby match
Violent scenes mare the start of the Swindon Oxford derby
Wiltshire Police said ahead of the game that 250 officers from five different forces had been drafted for the game.
The kick off time had also been brought forward to midday from the usual 4pm start in a bid to minimise the potential for trouble.
Oxford Mail:
During the second half of the match feelings were running high and two fans thought to be Swindon supporters were seen to race onto the pitch before they confronted U's fans.
Stewards quickly grabbed the two supporters and led them from the ground.
The final score, after four minutes of injury time, was Swindon Town 1 Oxford United 2 after a good strike from 20 yds by Dabo, and goals from Sercombe and Hall -For our full match report click here.
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