Two charged after Reading FC match
It happened on Saturday
Three people were arrested and two charged, after the Reading FC vs Cardiff City FC football match on Saturday (18/4).
Gareth Whitehouse, 41, of Lee, Cardiff, was charged with one count of public order yesterday (19/4). Officers intervened on Greyfriars Road after Whitehouse attempted to engage in disorder.
Lewis Campbell-Williams, 20, of Lenham Road, Headcorn, Kent, was charged yesterday (19/4) with possession of a bladed article and theft from a shop, after being arrested at the stadium.
They were both released on bail, to appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 3 June separately.
A 15 year-old boy from Reading and a 17 year-old boy from Croydon were each arrested, on suspicion of breaching a Section 34 dispersal order, which was in place for the match. A child protection referral has been made, with appropriate safeguarding measures put in place.
As part of the policing operation, officers identified and arrested a 17 year-old boy from Reading, in connection with an ongoing rape investigation, unrelated to the football match. The boy has since been released on police bail, pending further enquiries.
Dedicated football officer for Reading FC, PC Steve Mountain, said: “We would like to thank members of the public for their cooperation while the Section 35 dispersal orders were in place.
“The dispersal orders were enacted as a preventative measure to help ensure the safety of fans and local communities in the area.
“Following Saturday afternoon’s fixture, officers made a number of arrests and charges. This highlights the important role of dedicated football policing operations, including the work of trained football spotters, who help identify individuals of concern and support a safe and enjoyable environment for the vast majority of supporters.
“Our officers and spotters work closely together at matches and beyond to protect communities and prevent disorder.”