Port Vale v Stoke City trouble: 11 arrested after violence erupts in stands and hooligans throw flares onto pitch

Fans clashed with police at Vale Park during the first Stoke City v Port Vale derby in 16 years (Picture: Action Images/Carl Recine)

Police arrested 11 football fans after a Stoke-on-Trent derby descended into chaos with violence erupting in the stands and missiles hurled at police.

Violence erupted at the first game between a Stoke City side and Port Vale in 16 years as part of the Check-a-Trade Trophy on Wednesday.

Supporters of both clubs were seen fighting ahead of kick-off, before entering Vale Park and continuing their trail of destruction.

8,000 fans attended the game, which saw Stoke’s under-21 Academy team lose 4-0. Police said some of the fans displayed "very despicable" behaviour.

Police confronted fans as a flare was thrown onto the pitch from the Port Vale section (Action Images/Carl Recine)

More arrests are expected in the next coming days as police scour CCTV to identify hooligans.

Port Vale Supporters' Club chairman Mark Porter, who was inside the ground, said: “It was absolutely appalling.

Fans throw flares onto the pitch as police look on during the match (Action Images/Reuters)

“Some of the away 'fans' clearly came simply to cause trouble.

“They were throwing bottles, lighters, coins, seats - you name it.

The state of the away end toilets after tonight’s Vale v Stoke game #pvfc #portvale #scfc #stokecity pic.twitter.com/ZEpzxgIShC

— Mike Baggaley (@MBaggers37)

December 4, 2018

“Dozens of seats have been wrecked.

“They are an absolute disgrace to their club and should be banned.” Flares were also hurled onto the pitch.

Chairs were ripped from the stands amid violent clashes at Vale Park (Carl Recine/Action Images)

Both clubs are yet to make statements on the clash.

Those arrested are aged between 18 and 61, all from north Staffordshire and were arrested for a mixture of public order and violence offences.

The game saw over 150 officers deployed to the area, including dog support and response officers.

Staffordshire Police Chief Superintendent Wayne Jones, commander for the policing operation, said: “I would like to express my thanks to all the officers that helped us deliver a challenging policing operation.

Bottles were thrown onto the pitch as Port Vale celebrated their third goal (Carl Recine/Action Images)

“There was some despicable behaviour by a large number of fans, which has caused considerable damage to the away section of Vale Park.

“We are taking this very seriously and I expect there to be more arrests in the coming days as we examine CCTV coverage and gather evidence of the crimes committed.

“My officers have shown bravery and dedication tonight and the support from stewards and partners has been first class in ensuring that those intent on fighting each other were unable to do so.

“I am also grateful for local pubs working with us and shutting early to ensure the safety of those in Burslem.

“This kind of behaviour is not acceptable and I would like to reassure you that we will do all we can to bring those responsible to justice.