Hooligans in the dock after mass brawl at Rotherham railway station

Another four, who claimed to be Derby County supporters, have also been sentenced by Sheffield Crown Court after a fight on March 12 following a Championship fixture between the teams.

The two sets of fans met while waiting to catch their trains home and witnesses said they saw Rotherham fans taunt and goad Derby fans on the opposite platform to come over for a fight. 

The group of Derby supporters then headed across the footbridge while the Rotherham group gathered at the bottom of the stairs waiting for them.

As the Derby fans descended, a fight broke out between the rival groups, in full view of families and children also waiting on the platform.

Nine men were later arrested and charged in connection with the brawl. They all pleaded guilty to affray at Sheffield Crown Court on May 17.

Last Thursday, the five Rotherham United fans were each ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work, 12 month community orders and to pay £200 in costs.

They were Owen Dennedy-Roughley (18), of Windsor Street, Thurnscoe; Ryan Dennedy (21), also of Windsor Street, Thurnscoe; Wayne Cadman (52), of Probert Avenue, Goldthorpe; Simon Cragg (33), of Nicholas Lane, Goldthorpe; and David Beckett (33), of Albert Road, Morley.

Last Friday, Grant Lowe (21), of Robin Hood, Whatstandwell, Matlock, was handed an order banning him from attending any football games for the next three years as well as 180 hours of unpaid work, a 12 month community order and was ordered to pay £200 in costs

Three other Derby County fans were also sentenced on Friday, and each received an order to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work, 12 month community order and ordered to pay £200 in costs.

They are Adam Parker (28), of Water Street, Wirksworth, Derbyshire; Daniel Oven (25), of King Street, Middleton-by-Wirksworth, Derbyshire; and Jack Higton (23), of Bournebrook Avenue, Wirksworth, Derbyshire.

Investigating officer Det Con Ian Grice said: “British Transport Police takes reports of football violence extremely seriously.

“Despite being surrounded by young children and their families, these men behaved in a totally unacceptable and violent manner, frightening those around them with their aggressive behaviour.

“How would they have felt if their own families had been caught up in this?

“Fans like these need to be reminded that the station and trains are not only used by them and need to behave accordingly. The general public should not have to witness this. Railway stations are not an extension of football stands.”