Police gain powers to quell football fans disorder

Police have obtained court orders to quell anti-social behaviour (ASB) linked to a non-league football match.

Basingstoke FC said in January it had an issue with "young people... looking for trouble rather than football".

Hampshire police said the section 34 dispersal order would be in force for 12 hours for Saturday's game against Poole Town "following reports of public order and ASB at recent matches".

It said a separate order, also covering a wide area of Basingstoke from 09:00 GMT, would give officers the power to remove people's masks and face coverings.

The fixture will have full segregation of rival fans, following a risk assessment.

In January, Basingstoke chairman Jack Miller appealed to fans to show "passion without poison".

In a message on the club website, he said: "We are likely going to have to introduce some new measures regarding entry for U18s.

"We don't want to have to do this, but we have to ensure that Basingstoke Town is a place where genuine fans are safe and welcomed, and the people wanting to cause trouble don't bother."

Police said the dispersal order would allow officers to make someone leave the area with no return within a specified period.

Sgt Karla Leese, said: "We have put this order in place to ensure that fans can enjoy the match in a safe environment and so that we can respond swiftly and decisively to anyone seeking to cause disruption.

"Officers will be patrolling the area around the ground and the town centre throughout the day to ensure the safety of all football fans and local residents as well as local businesses."

The orders are in force until 21:00 GMT on Saturday.

You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.