Dorset Police officers reprimanded after taking part in pitch invasion

May 24, 2022

Three Dorset Police officers are reprimanded by bosses and told to ‘reflect on their involvement’ after being caught on CCTV taking part in pitch invasion at Bournemouth

Three Dorset Police officers were caught on CCTV taking part in a pitch invasion
The off-duty officers were part of group to run on to pitch at the Vitality Stadium
Invasion took place after Bournemouth sealed a return to the Premier League
Among the pitch invaders was 49-year-old Superintendent Sarah Derbyshire
Dorset Police say all three officers have been reprimanded as a result of actions

Three police officers have been reprimanded after taking part in a football pitch invasion.

The off-duty Dorset Police colleagues were caught spilling onto the pitch – among a large crowd of Bournemouth fans – after their side sealed a return to the Premier League earlier this month.

Fans could be seen letting off flares and surrounding the players and staff in celebration on the Vitality Stadium turf.

Superintendent Sarah Derbyshire, 49, was one of the off-duty officers at the forefront of the celebrations on May 3.

She and the two other officers were spotted on CCTV by police colleagues, who were reviewing the footage after the game.

Dorset Police says the three officers have since been ‘asked to reflect on their involvement’ in the pitch invasion.

The force says a message has also been sent to other staff reiterating the ‘high standards of behaviour’ expected of them.

It is illegal for fans to go onto the playing area, without lawful authority or lawful excuse, contrary to the Football (Offences) Act 1991.

Top police superintendent Sarah Derbyshire, 49, pictured, was caught taking part in a pitch invasion after Bournemouth Football Club was promoted to the Premier League

The Dorset Police colleagues were caught spilling onto the pitch along with a large crowd of Bournemouth fans after their side sealed a return to the Premier League on May 3. Pictured: A large crowd invade the pitch at the Vitality Stadium on May 3

A Dorset Police statement said: ‘On Tuesday May 3 2022 AFC Bournemouth played Nottingham Forest and secured promotion to the Premier League, which led to a pitch invasion by a large number of AFC Bournemouth fans following the final whistle.

‘An internal report was subsequently made to the Force’s Professional Standards Department that stated off-duty Dorset Police officers were involved in the pitch invasion.

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira faces no police charges for kicking Everton fan who taunted him during pitch invasion after both men declined to make official complaint

Patrick Viera will not face any police action after his clash with an Everton fan last week.

Crystal Palace manager Vieira was confronted by a supporter who goaded and abused the Frenchman during the pitch invasion that followed Everton’s 3-2 win.

Having initially tried to ignore the provocation Vieira kicked out the supporter who was also recording the incident.

Along with the FA Merseyside Police also investigated the incident though the latter confirmed: ‘Merseyside Police has concluded enquiries into an altercation on the pitch at Goodison Park following the Everton v Crystal Palace match on Thursday (19 May).

‘We worked with Everton FC to gather all available CCTV footage and spoke to witnesses.

‘Officers have spoken to both men involved and the opportunity to make a formal complaint or support a prosecution was declined.’

Vieira warned English football’s pitch invasion problem is bigger than the well-documented flashpoint he was involved in and clash with and that ‘there is a big issue on the FA and Premier League’s plate to deal with.’

He said: ‘I think the Everton incident is bigger than just that incident.

‘When you look at it in the Premier League, there were a lot of field invasions that can cause trouble.

‘There are real issues here to reflect on and try to see what is the best way to manage it and to deal with it.

‘You don’t know what can happen. When you don’t know what can happen of course you fear for anything, for the players.

‘We want to be safe and the best way to do that is we need to reflect on what is the best way for those kind of things not to happen on the field.

‘As a coach, manager, player or staff we want to be safe in our workplace. I think there is a big issue on the FA and Premier League’s plate to deal with.

‘They need the support and the club and the players to get involved. Everybody has to take responsibility and see what is the best way for those things not to happen.’

Vieira added: ‘I am not there [charged by the FA] yet. I will participate with the FA and talk about the incident and give my opinion and my view.

‘Again, it is not about just that incident. It is about all the incidents and I think it happened too often in the last couple of weeks and we need to reflect on that and make a decision so players, staff and fans can be safe going to watch football matches.’

The FA said it is investigating incidents of fans invading the field.

‘Three police officers were identified and were asked to reflect on their involvement.

‘Following the game, a message was issued internally reminding all officers and staff of the high standards of behaviour expected of them both in and out of work and reiterating that no matter how exciting it is for their team to win promotion to the Premier League, they must not be involved in pitch invasions.’

Ms Derbyshire and two of her colleagues were seen celebrating on the pitch as the Bournemouth fans took to the grass where some supporters set off smoke bombs.

A source told The Sun: ‘When police were looking through the footage they had the shock of their lives when they saw the superintendent on the pitch celebrating.

‘There were a couple of other officers from the force who got carried away and ran on to the pitch to jump up and down with the crowd.

‘None of the officers caused any trouble and it was all good-natured. But the law is the law and clearly they, of all people, should have been aware that what they were doing was illegal.’

A source told the paper that the Superintendent’s family are all diehard Bournemouth fans, and that she is ‘only human’ as the ’emotion on Bournemouth winning promotion clearly got to her’.

Currently on attachment to the inspectorate of constabulary, Superintendent Derbyshire used to be a detective running a major crime team, looking into murders and serious offences.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services said: ‘We are aware an employee of Dorset Police currently seconded to HMICFRS was involved in an incident earlier this month.

‘It is a matter for Dorset Police as the individual’s employer to take appropriate action.’

It comes after a number of recent pitch invasions at matches, including one in which Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp was headbutted by Nottingham Forest fan Robert Biggs at the end of the Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final second leg.

Electrical engineer Biggs, 30, of Derbyshire, headbutted the striker after storming onto the pitch after Nottingham Forest beat Sharp’s team 3-2 on penalties on 17 May.

He was jailed for 24 weeks and was also handed a 10-year football banning order after pleading guilty to assault at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard how he had consumed ‘a quantity of alcohol’ before carrying out the ‘senseless act of violence’, which the judge said demanded a custodial sentence.

The stocky supporter in yellow broke away from the celebrations to charge headfirst into Sharp who was standing with his arms crossed in the technical area at the City Ground.

Footage of the incident was captured live on Sky Sports and shows Sharp being floored having not seen his attacker coming.

Mr Sharp, who previously played for Forest, needed stitches. The footballer said the morning after the incident: ‘One mindless idiot ruined what was an unbelievable night of football.

‘Congratulations to Nottingham Forest on their victory and good luck in the final. As an ex Forest player I will not let one scumbag ruin my respect for the Forest fans.’

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman also called a pitch invasion at Manchester City’s ground ‘concerning’ after Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen was reportedly assaulted as home supporters celebrated.

It comes as yesterday it was revealed how Patrick Viera will not face any police action after his clash with an Everton fan last week.

The Crystal Palace manager was confronted by a supporter who goaded and abused the Frenchman during the pitch invasion that followed Everton’s 3-2 win.

Having initially tried to ignore the provocation Vieira kicked out the supporter who was also recording the incident.

‘We worked with Everton FC to gather all available CCTV footage and spoke to witnesses.

‘Officers have spoken to both men involved and the opportunity to make a formal complaint or support a prosecution was declined.’

Patrick Vieira appeared to kick the supporter before other Everton fans stepped in after the Crystal Palace boss was isolated and unprotected (left). Fan footage shows a supporter making an obscene gesture in the face of Vieira (right)

Vieira was confronted by a fan as he was walking towards the away dressing room after the final whistle

Patrick Vieira appeared to be involved in an incident with a fan after the 3-2 defeat to Everton

Everton’s fans invade the pitch to celebrate at the end of the Premier League football match against Crystal Palace last night

He said: ‘I think the Everton incident is bigger than just that incident.

‘When you look at it in the Premier League, there were a lot of field invasions that can cause trouble.

‘There are real issues here to reflect on and try to see what is the best way to manage it and to deal with it.

‘You don’t know what can happen. When you don’t know what can happen of course you fear for anything, for the players.

ENGLISH FOOTBALL’S WEEK OF SHAME

Monday (May 16)

Huddersfield fans run on to the pitch at the John Smith’s Stadium after beating Luton to reach the Championship play-off final. Luton boss Nathan Jones calls some of them ‘an absolute disgrace’ after he and his team are abused and goaded by Terriers supporters.

Tuesday (May 17)

Thousands of Nottingham Forest fans invade the pitch at the City Ground, following their play-off semi-final win against Sheffield United on penalties. United’s Billy Sharp is headbutted by a Forest fan who is later jailed for assault.

Wednesday (May 18)

Two Northampton fans run on to the pitch, throw a flare and confront Mansfield Town striker Jordan Bowery during their play-off semi-final defeat at Sixfields.

Thursday (May 19)

Everton secure their Premier League status with a comeback win over Crystal Palace. Thousands of fans stream on to the pitch. One approaches and taunts Palace manager Patrick Vieira, who then kicks out at him.

After their play-off semi-final win, Port Vale fans invade the pitch and appear to physically and verbally abuse Swindon Town players. Swindon manager Ben Garner says, ‘I don’t know where we’re going as a country, it’s absolutely disgusting.’

Sunday (May 22)

Manchester City apologised to Robin Olsen and vowed to indefinitely ban the fan who attacked Aston Villa’s goalkeeper during Sunday’s pitch invasion.

Thousands were on the Etihad Stadium turf after wrapping up the Premier League title and Villa boss Gerrard says goalkeeper Olsen was hurt.

City swiftly released a statement apologising to Olsen.

‘We want to be safe and the best way to do that is we need to reflect on what is the best way for those kind of things not to happen on the field.

‘As a coach, manager, player or staff we want to be safe in our workplace. I think there is a big issue on the FA and Premier League’s plate to deal with.

‘They need the support and the club and the players to get involved. Everybody has to take responsibility and see what is the best way for those things not to happen.’

Vieira added: ‘I am not there [charged by the FA] yet. I will participate with the FA and talk about the incident and give my opinion and my view.

In a separate incident, Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen was attacked as Manchester City fans celebrated their Premier League title win by invading the pitch on Sunday.

City issued a statement to apologise, saying they had launched an investigation to identify and ban the fan responsible.

Greater Manchester Police also charged two men following the pitch invasion.

City boss Pep Guardiola added: ‘I’m so sorry on behalf of the club. It is difficult to think why people react in that way. Hopefully we can discover the person and he can be punished.’

Speaking about pitch invasions, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville said: ‘All of a sudden in these last few weeks and months we’ve got these idiots not just running on the pitch, which to be fair is a problem, but actually if you’re attacking players then what the hell are you doing?

‘They’re delirious, they’ve won the league, I get that. But attacking opposition players on the pitch? Where has this come from? It’s absolutely ridiculous.

‘There’s this real sort of threat now and feeling that fans could start to attack people.’

Roy Keane, another Sky pundit, added: ‘It’s disgraceful. It really is. A player or a manager is going to be seriously injured.

‘If you’re mad enough to come on and punch a player then you’re going to be mad enough to do something silly like stab a player. There will be something crazy happen.

‘People have come back after Covid and forgotten how to behave themselves. Idiots, scumbags.

‘It’s a disgrace. We’ve seen it at Forest and with Patrick Vieira. It’s absolutely disgraceful.’

The FA said it is investigating incidents of fans invading the field.

In a statement on Friday, the FA called on clubs to ‘play a vital role’ and prevent pitch invasions as well as ‘taking their own action’. The FA said it was ‘reviewing our regulations to help stamp this behaviour out and to ensure the safety of everyone inside a stadium’.

The FA added: ‘Football stadiums should always be a safe and enjoyable space for everyone, and these incidents are completely unacceptable and have no place in our game.

‘It is illegal to enter the pitch area in any stadium and these actions are putting players, fans and people who run the game at great risk. This simply cannot continue and we can confirm that we are investigating all of the incidents.’

Two football fans are charged over Etihad Stadium pitch invasion as police hunt Man City thug who attacked Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen

Two football supporters have today been charged after crowd trouble at Manchester City’s title-winning match yesterday as police hunt for the hooligan who smacked Aston Villa’s goalkeeper Robin Olsen around the head.

Ecstatic scenes at the Etihad Stadium were marred by another pitch invasion where a player was assaulted – the fifth outbreak of crowd violence in English football in the past week.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) today said Phillip Maxwell, 28, of Knowsley, Merseyside, has been charged with throwing a missile (pyrotechnic) onto the pitch and will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on June 23.

And Paul Colbridge, 37, of Salford, has been charged with going onto the pitch and will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on June 7. Both have been bailed ahead of the court appearances, police said.

GMP said the investigation into the assault of Aston Villa’s Robin Olsen by a fan during Sunday’s pitch invasion was ongoing, with no arrests yet.

A police spokesman said: ‘Inquiries into the reported assault of a player on the pitch after the final whistle are ongoing with officers working in partnership with both football clubs.’

Manchester City have promised to issue a lifetime ban to the fan who assaulted Olsen. Thousands of home supporters invaded the Etihad Stadium pitch after City sealed the Premier League title yesterday.

Olsen, who had deputised for Emiliano Martinez, was struck by a fan during a pitch invasion.

City responded with a statement. ‘The club would like to sincerely apologise to Robin Olsen, who was assaulted after the final whistle when fans entered the pitch,’ it read.

‘The club has launched an immediate investigation and once identified, the individual will be issued an indefinite stadium ban.’

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