TWELVE people were arrested during Merseyside Police swoops this morning that focussed on football related disorder and violence.

Officers executed ten warrants across Merseyside in Wallasey, Bootle, Old Swan, Kirkby, Huyton and Maghull.

Eleven arrests were in connection with trouble at a bar in Liverpool city centre on Saturday, December 7.

A man was also arrested on suspicion of assault following the alleged stabbing of an Oldham fan in Liverpool on Sunday, 5 January.

The arrests incluide:

  • Nine males, three aged 17, two aged 18, two aged 19, a 22-year-old and a 25-year-old, have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
  • A 24-year-old man on suspicion of violent disorder and section 18 wounding.
  • A woman (has been arrested on suspicion of possession of class A drug with intent to supply and a man has been suspicion of possession of a prohibited item.

Area Commander for Liverpool North, Chief Superintendent Jon Ward, said: “Today's operation sends out a powerful message to a small minority of so-called football fans intent on becoming involved in violence and disorder that this type of behaviour in unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“However, today’s operation is just the start of our proactive work to target these individuals. Over the forthcoming weeks we have a number of operations planned to target those intent on causing trouble around football fixtures in the area.

“You might think you are anonymous in the crowd or in a busy bar and no-one can see your anti-social behaviour and actions but think about it next time because ten people in custody right now had the same thought. In the next few weeks more people can expect to have early morning wake up calls courtesy of my officers.

“For an offence to be considered as being football related it has to be within 24 hours either side of a football match. Distance is irrelevant just as long as we can prove it was football related.

“Successful convictions should result in football banning orders which will mean they will no longer be able to attend games or follow their national side abroad.

“On Merseyside there are already 70 football banning orders in force, which gives reassurance to those genuine fans and family groups who want to go and watch their local football club in a trouble-free atmosphere.”

All twelve people remain in police custody.