Appeal to name three supporters over trouble at Bristol Rovers and Forest Green game

Police have released images of three football supporters they want to speak to in connection with disorder after the match between Bristol Rovers and Forest Green Rovers last month.

A number of supporters from both sides ran onto the pitch at the end of the game, which finished in Forest Green Rovers winnning promotion from League Two. Rovers also clinched promotion on the last day of the season.

Avon and Somerset Police today said it was investigating several incidents of public disorder following the final whistle in the game.

Last week, two Rovers supporters were given banning orders for their part in the trouble.

Richard Hathaway, 19, from Southmead, received a five-year banning order after being convicted of using words or behaving in a way likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress and entering the playing area.

And Lee Wells, 38, from Oldland Common, was given a three-year football banning order and ordered to carry out 100 hours of community service for entered the playing area and being found in possession of a firework, flare or pyrotechnic item. He was also convicted of using words or behaving in a way likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Next month, two more men are due in court in connection with the disorder.

Police now want help identifying three men in relation to their investigation. Two were believed to have been sat among Bristol Rovers supporters in the East Terrace, the third is thought to have had a ticket in the South Stand among the away fans.

Following the incident, a police spokesperson said: “It’s always disappointing when a minority of supporters behave in this way and officers will now be working with the club to consider what further action needs to be taken, including the use of football banning orders if necessary.”

Anyone who can help should call police on 101 and give the call-handler reference number 5222010663.