Nearly a dozen arrests have been made after neighbouring teams Reading and Oxford took to the pitch on December 12.

In preparation for the match, police warned football fans that their powers would be ramped up surrounding anti-social behaviour.

Two Section 35 dispersal orders were put in place from 12pm on December 12 to 3am on December 13 to ensure fans, residents and the wider public felt safe during their visit.

Around 12,000 fans attended the match to enjoy a long-awaited derby game between the two teams.

Following the match at the Reading FC vs Oxford United FC match at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in Reading, police have confirmed 10 arrests have been made.

The arrests were made in relation to violent disorder in the town centre ahead of the match.

Officers worked in partnership with venues, door staff and British Transport Police to make sure everyone got to the game safely.

Amongst those arrested is a 17-year-old boy from Wokingham arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and a 16-year-old boy from Newbury arrested on suspicion of assault.

Superintendent Lee Barnham, Silver Operational Commander for the Reading FC game, said: “We continue to investigate a number of incidents from throughout the evening.

"We are particularly keen to speak to the man pictured in the image below as he may have vital information regarding a public order incident in Friar Street and Station Road between 6.45pm and 7pm on Tuesday, December 12.

"We are appealing to anybody who recognises the man in these images to please get in touch with us as we believe he may have information that could assist our investigation.

“If you are the man pictured, please come forward as soon as possible. To contact us, call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43230556986.

“Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via their website.

"Those arrested reflect a small minority of those in the town centre ahead of the game, with the match itself taking place without incident.

"Officers will continue to support these local derbies and look forward to seeing many of the fans again for their next meeting at Oxford in February."

Additional arrests include:

  • A 27-year-old man from Oxford arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
  • A 34-year-old man from Abingdon arrested on suspicion of affray.
  • A 56-year-old man from Bicester arrested on suspicion of failure to comply with a Section 35 direction and affray.
  • A 27-year-old man from Abingdon arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
  • A 26-year-old man from Abingdon arrested on suspicion of affray.
  • A 35-year-old man from Wantage arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
  • A 34-year-old man from Abingdon arrested on suspicion of affray.
  • A 48-year-old man from Oxford arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

They have all been released on bail.