POLICE across North Yorkshire have praised the region’s football fans, after they had to make only a handful of arrests following England’s first World Cup match.

Ten arrests were made for football-related disorder, all in Harrogate and Scarborough, with no arrests made in York.

Chief Superintendent Iain Spittal was in charge of North Yorkshire Police’s planned operation for the weekend, and said most fans were well behaved.

He said: “We are pleased that the vast majority of fans and other revellers were well-behaved and had a good time.

“It is disappointing that a very small minority of people spoiled the fun for others – their behaviour will not be tolerated.”

One incident in particular marred an otherwise quiet night, when a large group of men began fighting at a family event at Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre as 3,000 fans left after the match.

Five men, aged 18 to 25, were arrested at the scene, where four of them were given fixed-penalty notices.

One of the 18-year-olds was remanded in custody, and released yesterday without charge.

“This is extremely disappointing, particularly as the occasion was billed as a family event,” said Chief Supt Spittal. “This incident aside, we are pleased to report the vast majority of people entered into the spirit of the occasion and we look forward to the next England match, of which we hope there are several more, and hope the high spirits but good-natured fun continues.”


Racegoers stay on to watch match

SUNGLASSES and St George’s crosses were the order of the day at York Racecourse, with patriotic Englishmen and women basking in the sunshine for the second day of the Macmillan Charity Raceday.

More than 27,400 visitors descended on the course, but this year’s meeting was also extended for England’s match, which was watched on the racecourse’s big screen by about 1,500 fans.

“In keeping with the football theme of the day, we had a raffle for a shirt signed by David Beckham,” said James Brennan, marketing manager at the racecourse.

“About 1,500 fans stayed to watch the match, on what was probably the biggest screen in York. Of course there were cheers after four minutes, followed by groans after 40, but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.”

About £280,000 was raised for the cancer research charity.