CHAIRMAN Steve Goode leapt to the defence of Worcester City supporters involved in crowd trouble at Ilkeston Town on Saturday and revealed he plans to take no further action.

Police attended the New Manor Ground following a confrontation between groups of rival fans during the first half of City’s Midland Football League fixture on Saturday.

A group Goode recognised as City supporters had to be prevented from heading towards other members of the crowd positioned behind the same goal with the match half an hour in.

One male was physically restrained and taken to a corner of the ground with a group of males following and gesticulating with Town officials and stewards.

Police arrived at half-time with Ilkeston chief operating officer Anthony Redwood later confirming one person had been ejected from the stadium.

Both Goode and Redwood both said they had no knowledge of any arrests being made.

Police left before the end of the match and there appeared to be no further problems during the second half.

Goode said he had been told that the problems were started when a City supporter was punched while walking past a group of what was understood to be home fans – but he said he had not seen that for himself.

“I was stood behind the goal with another 50 or 60 supporters, everyone had a sing song and the team was playing really well,” said Goode.

“Then for some reason there was a bit of a scuffle. I went over to investigate and was told by a couple of the Worcester lads that a punch had been thrown at one of them as they went past some Ilkeston fans on the way to get food.

“The supporter was hit in the face. The lad retaliated which can happen and the stewards stepped in and did a good job – that was it.

“I stood with the stewards to help to calm down our lads. There were a few other little issues, more shouting and handbags but nothing I would call football violence.

“At half-time Worcester fans went behind the goal we were attacking and the Ilkeston fans stayed in their end. There was no further trouble.

“I believe there was one supporter asked to leave the ground which he did with no issues. Two other Worcester supporters went out with him and left.

“The police told me there would be no arrests.”

Asked whether any further action would be taken, Goode replied: “In my opinion they did nothing wrong apart from retaliate.

“They were going to get some food and someone got punched. The issue was with the person who threw the punch, they should have been thrown out.

“I don’t know if they were (ejected) but I doubt it because it was all done with by the time the stewards arrived.

“It was sorted between ourselves. As far as Worcester City is concerned, there is nothing to ban anyone for.

“If a Worcester supporter had thrown the punch it would have been a different story but I trust what I got told by our supporters. I have no reason to doubt that.

“I have been around football for a number of years and have seen plenty of trouble – this was nothing at all.

“The club does not have a bad name. I am sure people will pick up on this and make points but it was a bit of vocal and handbags.”

In response, Redwood said: “I got told a fracas had started, I don’t know how it originated.

“From what I was told the Worcester City fans encroached into our fans and a melee ensued.

“The culprits were underage kids who were drunk, one of which was ejected from the ground. They caused the fracas.

“It was handbags and defused quite quickly. It was unsavoury but sorted swiftly.

“I think the referee and match observer will put it in their reports, they have to.

“These things can happen. Both clubs have a big following but with the nature of football at our level, we don’t segregate supporters – there should not be any need to.

“Encroaching into our fans didn’t help but I would not blame any of their supporters any more than I would our own. We move on.”

Goode also highlighted how the day had finished on a friendly note.

“I would like to say it was a great game of football,” added Goode.

“Supporters from Ilkeston said how well we had played which was nice. I noticed some clapping us off the pitch. It was just disappointing we could not hold on for the three points I felt we deserved for our first-half performance.”

Derbyshire Police confirmed no arrests had been made.