Hunt for “loutish” Millers fans

British Transport Police appealed for information and said the mum had been left “shaken and intimidated”.

Investigating officer PC Emma Williamson said: “The victim asked the group of football supporters, who were behaving in a rowdy manner, to quieten down.

“Her request was met with a barrage of foul language and abuse. She left the train at Sheffield to board the front carriage to Nottingham.

“The same group followed the victim and her sons, aged 15 and 19, and threw empty beer cans at them.

“As the group left the carriage one of the men pulled earphones from the 19-year-old’s ears.”

This suspect was described as white, mid-40s, stocky and about 5ft 8ins tall with short greying hair. He was wearing a light coloured top at the time.

The incident happened on the 9.30am train from Rotherham to Sheffield on August 15, when the Millers played away at Nottingham Forest.

PC Williamson added: “This is a typical example of the intimidating and loutish behaviour by a minority of football fans that we are working hard to stamp out.

“Fear and intimidation through rowdy and unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated.

“No-one should have to listen to foul and abusive language or face abuse when they politely request it to stop. It is vital we find those responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to call BTP on 0800 405040, or text 61016, quoting reference PSUB/B6 of 08/09/2015. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.