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Football fan fights for life
A FOOTBALL fan is fighting for his life after a violent bust-up at the end of the Hartlepool United and Sheffield Wednesday clash.
The 50-year-old man from Sheffield was airlifted to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough with serious head wounds when violence flared after Saturday's game.
Two groups of men, believed be rival fans, clashed near Hartlepool Railway Station following Pools' 5-0 drubbing by Wednesday.
Another 46-year-old man, also from Sheffield, was rushed to the same hospital by ambulance with less serious head injuries and was discharged yesterday.
Five Hartlepool men have been arrested in connection with the disturbance which happened on the station approach off Church Street just before 6pm on Saturday.
They are two men aged 24 and 48 on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, two aged 25 and 45 on suspicion of affray and a 27-year-old arrested suspected of assault, violent disorder and actual bodily harm.
Rumours that one or both of the injured fans were stabbed appeared on supporters' websites and Facebook within minutes of the incident.
But police say there is no evidence of any weapons being involved.
A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "Police are appealing for information following an altercation that took place at approximately 17.54 on Saturday, August 28, between two groups of men at Station Approach, Church Street, Hartlepool.
"We believe there were a lot of people in the area at the time and anyone who may have information about the incident is asked to contact DS Peter Carr at Hartlepool CID."
Pauline McSweenie, secretary of Hartlepool United Supporters Club, said she hoped the incident would not tarnish the club's good reputation for friendly fans.
She said: "It is a shame that these things do happen.
"The majority of Hartlepool United fans do not have a problem with away fans and are happy to talk to them.
"We send out best wishes to the lads concerned."
A certain rivalry has existed between Hartlepool and Sheffield Wednesday since the Yorkshire club beat Pools in the 2005 play off final at Cardiff to win promotion to the Championship.
A total of 4,084 people watched Saturday's League One match at Victoria Park including around 900 away supporters.
Around 20 police officers were visible within the ground and the game itself passed off peacefully.
Officers, including police on horses, were also on duty on roads around the ground following the final whistle.
Anyone with information about the incident can contact Detective Sergeant Peter Carr on (01642) 302110.
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Weather for Hartlepool
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
