‘Sporadic disorder’ after Birmingham match at Den

BY TOBY PORTER
toby@slpmedia.co.uk

Toilets, parts of the away concourse and a TV set were smashed as Birmingham City got beaten 2-0 by Millwall at The Den on Saturday.

There were three arrests for public order offences – none of them Millwall fans – in the ground on the day of the match, which was attended by 14,500 people.

Visiting football fans also jostled with cops on the way to the game.

A large number of officers were in Borough High Street and the London Bridge station area, as City fans made their way to the stadium for the Championship match which kicked off at 5.30pm.

Officers were there as part of the pre-planned policing operation.

Officers responded to rowdy behaviour by a group of fans and escorted them to London Bridge Station.

Footage on social media featured pushing and shoving as a police cordon was organised to steer Brum fans towards the station.

One Twitter user, said: “Toxic masculinity on display at London Bridge right now. And all in the name of football. Disgusting scenes.”

Another posted: “Borough High St & London Bridge was a thoroughly unpleasant area today due to large number of lary Millwall and Birmingham City supporters.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “There was sporadic disorder at The Den after Millwall FC’s home fixture against Birmingham City FC on Saturday.

“Officers, including officers from the Met’s Mounted Branch, worked to keep the opposing fans separated and a number of officers, believed to be five, sustained injuries, none serious.

“Three public order arrests were made.”

A post match police investigation will cover incidents before, during and after the game.