Three fans were arrested during and following Boro’s clash with Leeds United, but a heavy police presence prevented major trouble between fans.
There were two arrests during the game and one after the final whistle.
A 39-year-old man was arrested in connection with an offence involving a flare being lighted, a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being drunk in a designated sports ground, and a 37-year-old man was arrested following the game on suspicion of a public order offence. All three remain in police custody.
But a heavy police presence in and around the Riverside Stadium before, during and after the match managed to prevent any major disturbances.
Leeds fans who had travelled to Middlesbrough by train were escorted to and from the Riverside Stadium by police officers on the ground.
Cleveland Police’s helicopter hovered overhead for the duration of the match and following the crowds into Middlesbrough town centre afterwards.
Following the match, which ended with Boro losing 1-0 to Leeds, police officers with video cameras filmed the supporters of each team which were chanting towards each other while separated by steel fencing.
During the pre-match build-up, Cleveland Police had put out a message on social media that read: “Not long now folks until Boro vs Leeds. Cops enjoying a vibrant, positive atmosphere from home and away fans outside the ground. Enjoy the game!”
Afterwards Cleveland Police thanked home and away fans and a police spokeswoman said: “Officers on the ground enjoyed a vibrant and positive atmosphere, which was in keeping with the family friendly approach taken by Cleveland Police and Middlesbrough Football Club.”
Leeds and Boro fans square up to each other
Commenting on the positive response from fans, operational commander, supterintendent Mark Thornton said: “The majority of fans have been fantastic today and have worked with us to ensure that the match goes ahead safely and that the focus was on football, not disorder.
“We police football based on the intelligence we receive, and our response today was proportionate. I’m extremely proud of all involved, especially officers on the ground who have been engaging with fans from early this morning.
“I would like to thank Middlesbrough Football Club for their ongoing support, and Leeds United Football Club and fans for their co-operation.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger spent the day with officers to see the scale and scope of the policing operation around today’s match.
Leeds and Boro square up to each other outside the Riverside Stadium
He said: “From the briefing at 8am this morning and throughout the day I have been really impressed with the level of skill, dedication and meticulous planning that our officers put into operations of this nature.
“A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes, just to keep the streets of Cleveland safe. It’s testament to our officers, with support from Middlesbrough Football Club, who have made sure that today’s game passed without serious incident.”
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