Violent clashes between fans of hated rivals Swindon and Oxford overshadow League One match as five are arrested
The U's won 2-1 meaning Robins haven't beaten their rivals for 15 years... but there were fights outside County Ground despite increased police presence
OXFORD UNITED beat bitter rivals Swindon 2-1 today… but the League One clash was marred by ugly scenes before the match as fans clashed outside the County Ground.
Five supporters were arrested as followers of both clubs charged at each other across the open grass outside Swindon’s home stadium before the game.
This was despite an increased police presence by Wiltshire Police, with around 250 more officers wearing body cameras.
Flares were launched through the air and bottles were thrown with some striking officers’ helmets as they tried to restore order.
The kick-off time had been brought forward to midday to try to avert any potential for trouble.
Despite officers’ attempts to keep the hundreds of fans enclosed within a moving cordon through Swindon town centre, it appeared they were under-resourced, with eyewitnesses reporting big gaps in the police lines.
The two groups ran towards each other, red and yellow flares soared through the air and officers could once again be seen fighting back with batons.
Police officers cried out for medics as they pulled one injured fan with a head injury wearing beige from the crowd and shielded him from the clashes around them as he lay on the floor.
There were five arrests and it took assistance from Swindon Town stewards and staff to help move the crowds apart.
Things calmed down once the match started, except for two Swindon fans running towards the Oxford end with one baring his behind before being tackled by a steward.
On the pitch, Michael Appleton’s Oxford now haven’t lost to their bitter rivals for 15 years.
Rob Hall scored a long-range winner as Oxford came from behind shortly after Liam Sercombe had cancelled out Fankaty Dabo’s first-half opener.
Swindon goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux pulled off a series of saves as Oxford piled on the pressure after falling behind, but was later sent off for a last-man challenge.
Swindon stay just one place above the drop zone in 20th, while Oxford remain in 13th place.