SCENES of violent clashes in the stands at last weekend’s fixture against Southend United have led Barnsley fans to criticise the behaviour of stewards at the game.

Videos shared on social media show confrontations between the away fans and Southend’s stewards with many fans labelling the stewards’ behaviour ‘disgusting’.

The local police force confirmed it is investigating the incident, which reportedly occurred following staff’s attempts to remove a Barnsley fan from the away stand.

The Chronicle’s sports editor Doug O’Kane witnessed firsthand punches being thrown by both staff and fans, but the incident that sparked the violence was not clear.

Chairman of Barnsley FC’s Supporters’ Trust, Alan Bloore, said the behaviour of the stewards seemed to be an overreaction to the ‘exuberance’ of a few fans.

“The stewards have obviously decided to make an example of a few people,” Alan said. “Even if someone oversteps the mark, they shouldn’t be restraining people by the neck.

“I just find it stupid. The fans aren’t causing anybody any problems, just leave them.

“If somebody gets a bit exuberant, let them onto the running track and keep them off the pitch.

“There’s cameras all over the place. Don’t get involved, and then you can go back and look at it at your leisure on Monday.”

Alan, also a sport liaison officer for the club, said he had heard reports of one steward grabbing a younger fan by the throat and punching him.

“There are ways of doing things,” Alan added. “We have challenged quite a few of these kinds of cases in court.

“It is a criminal offence to go onto the playing area, but some stewards will generally let people get to a point and then let them back in. Some are under pressure from the club to get them off the pitch and use physical force.

“And you can understand that to an extent - some could be carrying a knife and try to stab a player. That’s their job.”

One fan took to Twitter after the match to state a steward had punched his son, who suffers from a disability, and said he would be taking further action.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are investigating following reports of disorder involving a number of fans and stewards at Southend United’s ground at around 1.20pm on Saturday March 2. It is reported that it followed attempts by stewards to eject a Barnsley fan. Our enquiries are ongoing.

“If you have any information about the incident please call us on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/33631/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

A spokesman for Southend United said the club was ‘undertaking a thorough investigation’ into the incident, with enquiries alongside Essex Police currently ongoing.

The spokesman reiterated that anyone with any information contact Essex Police or Crimestoppers.

Alan said the Supporters’ Trust would be looking into the incident further.

Barnsley Football Club declined to comment on the matter.