One version of events on Saturday

This article appeared in the Worcester Standard.

POLICE officers had to use CS gas to contain dozens of rowdy Hereford United football hooligans at Worcester's Foregate Street station on Saturday.

The police have slammed the behaviour of the 30 or so trouble makers as deplorable and said they had had to use CS gas to keep order and to ensure the safety of members of the public was not put at risk by the hooligans.

Earlier in the day, police officers prevented Hereford fans, who were on their way to Kidderminster to watch their side's game against Kidderminster Harriers, from leaving Foregate Street station for fear they might cause trouble in the city centre.

On their return some fans tried to depart at Droitwich but were stopped by British Transport Police who were on the train.

However, when the supporters got to Worcester at about 6pm they started causing trouble while they changed platforms.

Police officers had to block off the station to prevent anyone leaving or entering until the train left for Hereford.

No arrests were made while eight Hereford fans were ejected at the match with Kidderminster.

A Worcester Police spokesman said: "The behaviour of a small number of trouble-making fans was deplorable, and our prime concern was to ensure the safety of other rail travellers and members of the public and to see that the problems created by these hooligans did not spread to other areas."

Hereford United Football Club has long had a reputation for attracting a minority following of football hooligans.

In February 2002, fighting broke out in the streets close to Chester City's ground while in 2004 violence erupted at Burton Albion's Eton Park when Hereford fans charged into the home side's supporters.

A total of 13 men from Hereford were charged with violent offences and jailed for between 15 months and two years but they have since been released.

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