TWELVE banning orders have been handed out to football fans after violence flared at last year's Middlesbrough v Millwall football match.

Ahead of another Boro clash this Saturday against Millwall, Cleveland Police said 'extensive enquiries' had been carried out into the April 28 match last year, with 22 suspects dealt with.

Fifteen of those were summoned to court and seven were dealt with via youth interventions.

The pitch was invaded after Boro won the game 2-0 and some fans threw missiles while there were also isolated fights.

Banning orders have so far been given by the court to seven Middlesbrough fans and five Millwall FC fans.

All of those males were also fined and one given community service.

Superintendent Dave Sutherland said: “Working with colleagues in the Metropolitan Police and at Middlesbrough FC we have conducted a thorough investigation into the disorder following the Middlesbrough v Millwall fixture in April last year.

“As a consequence a number of individuals were identified and are being dealt with through the criminal justice process with a number of them being banned from attending future football matches.

“Middlesbrough has a proud history of football and many passionate supporters.

"Unfortunately the actions of a small minority can spoil it for others and put the safety of genuine fans at risk.

“We will never tolerate this type of behaviour. We will continue to work with the football club to identify those involved in football-related disorder, bring them to justice and where appropriate seek football banning orders.”

Chris Patzelt, Safety Officer at Middlesbrough Football Club, said: “Our role is to provide a safe environment for supporters to enjoy their football at the Riverside.

"It is extremely sad when a small minority act to undermine the safety of others. The success of the enquiry has been down to a number of factors.

"The police have worked closely with ourselves to collate sufficiently robust evidence against the wrongdoers, Millwall FC has actively assisted us throughout the enquiry, magistrates have issued very appropriate sentences to those found guilty of crimes and, above all, our thanks to members of the public who have come forward to assist in the identification of offenders.”