Faces of eight football fans in court after Boro v Derby clash

A string of football fanss have appeared in court for their behaviour at the Middlesbrough v Derby clash.

The match took place in February at the Riverside and was assessed as 'high risk'. Extra police measures were in place to ensure safety but despite this a total of 18 people were arrested and charged amid "pockets of disorder".

Sergeant Adrian Dack from Cleveland Police said it was 'the worst match he'd ever seen' in terms of bad behaviour. The force launched an extensive investigation after fans were caught on camera.

Teesside Magistrates' Court heard the following cases:

This Boro fan was banned from matches for three years after calling Derby County supporters "f****** little w******" in an abusive slur.

Connor Wheatley shouted "come on" to the rival fans whilst they were under police escort ahead of Boro's clash against The Rams. The dad-of-one, who has been attending football matches with his dad for 20 years, attempted to "instigate disorder" at the the Riverside Stadium match by goading fans on February 12.

Prosecutor Ben Woodward told how the 24-year-old shouted: "You f****** little w****** come on" to rival fans. He added that he also attempted to "instigate disorder" whilst attending the match at the Riverside Stadium and was subsequently arrested at the scene.

Mr Woodward added that Wheatley is of previous good character and applied for a football banning order. Neil Douglas, mitigating, described Wheatley as a "classic football supporter" who can "make the place look untidy".

Mr Douglas stated that he does not engage in "hooliganism" and will lose his "principle weekend activity" of attending football games. Wheatley, of College Road, Thorntree, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to using threatening,