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Former Plaid Cymru councillor for Llanbradach and Cardiff City season ticket holder, Rob Gough, has criticised South Wales Police following “mayhem” after the Bluebirds’ recent home clash against Bristol City.

In a letter to the force, Mr Gough, who is now retired, said that the “thuggery” he experienced from the police after the Severnside Derby on Saturday October 28, was like nothing he had ever experienced – and criticised the police over their lack of crowd control.

Part of the letter read: “I have not taken the decision lightly to write this letter but feel that I must bring to your attention the complete mayhem and thuggery that passed for crowd control at the end of the Cardiff City v Bristol City game.

“When leaving the ground at 4.50pm and turning right into Sloper Road as usual, there were a large number of fans who had left the ground and were as surprised as I was, as there had been no announcement at the ground.

“Several people, including myself, asked officers what was going on, the initial response being that they did not know but later they said that we were being held back so that Bristol fans could be escorted to catch their trains. 

“Most of the crowd had never experienced this type of action before as usually the away fans are held back in the ground while the home fans leave, I was quite taken aback as I have held a season ticket and been a fan for nearly 50 years and never encountered this behaviour before.”

Mr Gough went on to claim a man was hit by a police baton having charged at a barrier, and added pepper spray was used to try and control the crowd.

The former councillor continued: “After being held up for about an hour an officer wearing a red baseball cap shouted at the crowd to go around using Leckwith Road and Hadfield Road. 

“I made my way to the front of the barrier and spoke to a sergeant, telling him that as I was disabled, having had a quadruple by-pass and my foot rebuilt with staples and screws, I could not walk almost two miles to my car, he said that he would speak to the inspector, but nothing happened.

“The crowd, which consisted of a mix including women, children, pensioners, and disabled people like myself who were herded and penned like cattle for over an hour. We were given no information as to why, and having to witness such horrific treatment of others was unforgivable.”

In response to the letter, South Wales Police said: “Several people have been arrested in connection with disorder following the Cardiff City v Bristol City game on Saturday October 28.

“We thank the law-abiding public for their patience during the police operation and apologise to those caught up, frightened, or inconvenienced, by events that took place.

“The overwhelming majority of football fans are well-behaved and passionate about their clubs. But whenever there is evidence of football-related disorder or violence we always pursue those responsible in order that appropriate action is taken.”

The force added that anyone with information should contact South Wales Police on 101 or via social media referencing log number 2300231857.