A SECOND of nine men accused of soccer hooliganism at railway stations has been cleared.
The jury at Teesside Crown Court was directed to acquit Hartlepool fan Neil Eglintine, 29, of a charge of affray with Darlington fans on a train.
Judge Richard Lowden told them: "He joined in chants and used foul language. That may be thoroughly anti-social behaviour, but it is not affray."
The trial continued yesterday against four Hartlepool men and three from Darlington, who deny charges of violent disorder or affray.
The prosecution claims they were among groups of soccer supporters who caused mayhem on the railway after the two clubs had been playing in London, on March 11, last year.
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