CHESHIRE Police have confirmed one arrest was made following the Chester FC football match against Banbury United at the weekend.

Prior to the Saturday fixture, which saw the Blues claim all three points in a 4-2 victory to strengthen their promotion push, Cheshire Police had announced there would be a considerable police presence for the game.

A dispersal order was in place, banning anyone from the city for up to 48 hours, to tackle any potential disorder.

Officers were also granted extra stop and search powers in advance of the game, which was attended by 2,491 spectators, including about 100 Banbury United fans.

Following the match, the force has confirmed one arrest had been made, of a man who was not local to the area.

Jake Pratley, 22, of The Avenue, Middleton Cheney, Banbury, was arrested and subsequently charged with assault of an emergency services worker.

He has been bailed to appear at Chester Magistrates Court on Tuesday, April 4.

Last week, Chester FC issued one supporter with a stadium banning order for anti-social behaviour at matches, while two others received formal warning letters, as part of the club's ongoing commitment to being a welcoming environment for all football fans.

In a club statement, the Blues said: "We are hugely proud of our fanbase and the way our supporters behave and represent the club, both at the Deva Stadium and away from home.

"However, this season we have been challenged with an increase in anti-social and criminal behaviour from a small number of individuals, whose actions include entering the pitch, throwing missiles and using smoke bombs.

"These behaviours damage our reputation as a community club, place Chester FC at risk of disciplinary action and financial penalties, and threaten the safety and security of our fans, which is unacceptable.

"Since the start of this season, we have issued eight formal warning letters for anti-social behaviour. Regrettably, one of these individuals failed to heed their warning and has now been banned from the Deva Stadium.

"We are committed to working with our matchday safety team and the police to overcome these issues, and we reiterate that those who persist in unacceptable conduct that damages Chester FC will not be welcome at our club.

"If you witness someone behaving offensively at our matches or see or hear something that concerns you, please report it to the nearest steward."

Chester FC, who have scored in every game since the start of 2023 and have only lost once in the league since October, are next back in action in the National League North on Tuesday night (March 7), when they take on Kidderminster Harriers (7.45pm kick-off).