DARLINGTON FC have issued a warning to fans attending their home game on New Year’s Day against Spennymoor Town after violence marred the return fixture on Boxing Day.

During the match on December 26, several people, including four police officers, were assaulted and damage caused to property within and outside the grounds of Spennymoor Town Football Club after the two local rivals faced each other in a ‘fierce encounter’.

Both sets of players finished the match with ten players each on the field, but it was the events off the pitch that Durham Constabulary are now investigating.

Read more: Spennymoor threaten to ban fans who caused damage at Darlington match

The match referee delayed the game for a short period during the first half of the contest, which ended 1-1.

Despite holding an ‘internal’ investigation of their own and a sperate police appeal, the Quakers have taken the opportunity to urge their fans to be “on their best behaviour” for the New Year’s Day fixture, which will be segregated.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the club said: “Darlington FC would like everyone attending the game at Blackwell Meadows on New Year’s Day to have a great day out, and hopefully we will have a great trouble-free afternoon of football to enjoy.

The Northern Echo: Tempers flared both on and off the pitch in the match between the local rivals on Boxing Day.Tempers flared both on and off the pitch in the match between the local rivals on Boxing Day.

“The match will be segregated. Spennymoor fans arriving at Blackwell Meadows will be directed towards the west end of the ground and will have their own facilities.

“Darlington fans should enter the ground as normal at the Tin Shed end of the ground.

“We want all fans to be on their best behaviour. Darlington FC is proud of its community and family-based support and cannot, and will not, tolerate inappropriate behaviour or crowd disturbance of any kind.

Read more: Crowd trouble at Spennymoor vs Darlington match sparks police appeal

“The Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for the conduct of the club's supporters at all our football matches and therefore, if you observe any illegal behaviour or behaviour which tarnishes the club’s name, then please e mail, in confidence, dave.watson@darlingtonfc.org.”

Earlier this week, Spennymoor also condemned the violence seen at the Boxing Day match and has warned fans that they will be banned from future games if they are found to be causing trouble.

A statement from Spennymoor Town said: “Spennymoor Town FC is a family friendly club with its roots firmly in the community; and such scenes are not welcome anywhere in football, especially not at The Brewery Field.

The Northern Echo: As well as internal investigations from the two clubs, Durham Constabulary have also launched an investigation into the Boxing Day game.As well as internal investigations from the two clubs, Durham Constabulary have also launched an investigation into the Boxing Day game.

“Reports from the police that a number of officers were assaulted after the match in Spennymoor are also wholly unacceptable.

“Spennymoor Town FC will continue to assist the police with their investigations as a priority.

“The club will commit to imposing banning orders on any Spennymoor Town supporters who are identified as having been a part of criminal damage, assault or any other criminal charge as a result of 26th December 2021.”

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