Cambridge United and Peterborough United condemn ‘disgusting’ chants about Simon Dobbin as Cambridgeshire Derby day ends in disorder and criminal damage

Peterborough United have apologised after some of its fans sang “disgusting chants” about Simon Dobbin, the Cambridge United fan who suffered brain damage and later died after a violent attack following a match.

It happened on Saturday at the first league Cambridgeshire Derby between the two clubs in 21 years, an occasion which was also marred by disorder between fans outside the Weston Homes Stadium in Peterborough and by some Cambridge United supporters chanting about sex offences and causing “extensive criminal damage” at the away end.

The U’s condemned the behaviour and apologised to Posh.

Police are investigating the disorder and damage and have made three arrests. Both clubs said fans responsible for the chants or the vandalism would face bans once identified.

In a statement, the U’s said: “The first Cambridgeshire Derby in the league for 21 years was a hard fought match that was played in the right spirit and whilst the majority of fans from both sides helped contribute towards a tremendous occasion, a minority of supporters from both sides let our clubs down.

“Cambridge United strongly condemns the actions of the small group of so-called fans who committed criminal damage at the Weston Homes Stadium. This behaviour is unacceptable and the club has passed on its apologies to Peterborough United for the damage and inconvenience caused and will be addressing potential costs in due course.

“A police investigation has opened and evidence has already been supplied from the club’s supporter base.

“The club also condemns the offensive chanting that came from a section of the away end which made reference towards sex offences. Songs of such nature will not be tolerated and anyone found participating will be banned from future games.

“We are also deeply disturbed by the chants from a section of Peterborough United supporters about Simon Dobbin, a Cambridge United fan who tragically lost his life in 2020 after being cruelly and senselessly assaulted, following a football match which left him with permanent brain damage.

“We have today contacted Simon’s widow, Nicole, to offer our full support, whilst Peterborough United have also provided an apology to the family.

“The club is saddened that a great occasion was marred by such behaviour and Cambridge United will be working with Peterborough United and Cambridgeshire police to identify those responsible. Any supporters found guilty are likely to face club bans and criminal prosecution.”

Mr Dobbin, from Mildenhall in Suffolk, was attacked in March 2015 following Cambridge United's game at Southend United and was left with permanent brain damage. He died on October 21, 2020, aged 48 as a result of the injuries he sustained.

Thirteen people were convicted of offences following the attack, with three of them jailed for five years for violent disorder.

A statement from Peterborough United said: “The club are extremely disappointed that a small section of home supporters sang wholly inappropriate and disgusting chants about a Cambridge United supporter who sadly passed away in October 2020.

“We would like to unreservedly apologise to the family of Simon Dobbin and we will be working with the authorities to try and identify the culprits because those people are not ‘supporters’ of this football club. We condemn these actions in the strongest possible terms.

“The club would also like to condemn those who threw pyrotechnics during the game. There is no place for pyrotechnics inside the Weston Homes Stadium and those involved will be identified and action will be taken.

“The club would also like to report extensive criminal damage within the away end (Deskgo Stand) on Saturday. The damage caused in the toilets, offices and the concourse area of that stand was on a level not seen before and the cost to repair this will be significant. The club are working with Cambridge United and the police to review CCTV footage to identify those involved.

“Unfortunately following the final whistle there was disorder outside of the stadium involving both sets of supporters. The club is reviewing CCTV footage to identify those involved and an investigation is set to be undertaken by the police.”

The club’s interim chief executive, Leighton Mitchell, said: “It is important to note that the majority of supporters in attendance behaved well, but as seen too often at football matches, it is the minority that let themselves down and unfortunately that was the case on Saturday.

“The football club offer our sincere apologies to the family of Simon Dobbin. There is no place in society for what was chanted by a small section of so-called supporters and we will be working extremely hard to identify those involved.

“We are in conversations with Cambridge United about the substantial damage caused within the away end. Unfortunately, this damage is severe and will impact on the opening of that stand in the near future.

“We are disappointed that the actions of a small section of fans from both sides have overshadowed what should have been a wonderful occasion.”

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire police said: “We would like to thank the majority Cambridge United and Peterborough United supporters who behaved responsibly at the match on Saturday. Extra patrols were in place as we supported Peterborough United with their event as well as those businesses and communities who were impacted by it.

“Unfortunately, there were a small number of fans who chose to behave in a wholly unacceptable way, and this behaviour has been condemned by both clubs.

“The force, with the support of both clubs, have launched a post-match investigation and will be taking action against any persons identified committing criminal offences, and will work with clubs to secure banning orders where appropriate.

“Three arrests were made on Saturday: 45-year-old Trevor Johnson, of Parson Drove, Wisbech, has been charged with being drunk and disorderly in a public place. He has been bailed to appear at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on November 30.

“A 36-year-old man from Bretton, Peterborough, was arrested on suspicion of public order offences, but was later released without charge.

“A 20-year-old man from Bottisham was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence. He has been released on bail until January 29.”

Peterborough United urged anyone with information about the incidents to email them at concerns@theposh.com.