Plymouth-Exeter match police make 12 arrests

Police escorted football fans to and from Home Park

A major police operation to control fans at the match between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City has been described as a success by officers.

About 220 officers were on duty at Home Park, Plymouth, on Saturday to prevent a repeat of trouble which broke out between fans at a match in November.

Police said there only 12 arrests made for minor offences.

Officers escorted many Exeter City fans in and out of the stadium as part of the operation.

About 14,300 people attended the League One match, which Plymouth Argyle won 2-0.

Violent clashes

Supt John Green, of Devon and Cornwall Police said: "The staff we deployed did exceptionally well to minimise any opportunities for confrontation.

"The foot cordons, the use of dogs and horses worked, in my view, exceptionally well.

"And to the thousands of people who turned up and behaved in a responsible manner, thank you."

Police said a small number of isolated incidents in the ground were "quickly dealt with" and that about 180 Exeter fans were escorted back to the city's train station.

The 12 arrests were for various alcohol and public order offences, including one man who was arrested for running on to the pitch.

The operation came after violent clashes between fans at last month's cup game between the sides.

Twenty-two people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence at Home Park during the 9 November game.

There had been some disturbances during the Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash. More trouble broke out at the end of the game, both inside and outside Home Park, and fireworks were also thrown on the pitch.

The force was criticised for not anticipating the trouble.