POLICE have issued an appeal for information after disorder at a Falmouth Town football match on Saturday.

In making the appeal, officers have confirmed that it is believed that a group of Plymouth Argyle fans had travelled to the game against St Blazey and caused the disorder.

As reported by the Packet, police were called to the Bickland Park ground twice on Saturday.

On Sunday, a spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police told the Packet that officers were first called to the Bickland Park ground at around 3pm to reports of men fighting and one person carrying a pyrotechnic device.

The device – a smoke bomb – was lit and, police said, one man was removed from the ground for disorderly behaviour.

Police were then called again at around 4.30pm to reports of around a dozen men fighting.

A 33-year-old Plymouth man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after a pint glass was allegedly thrown at a car.

On Monday morning police said he was released and no further action was taken.

Officers used a dispersal order to remove what the police spokesperson called "the trouble element" to diffuse the situation.

On Monday, police added: "It is believed a group of Plymouth fans travelled down and caused a disorder within the ground, including the letting off of a smoke bomb, which caused the game to be paused.

"Hundreds of people were at the game, including children, and many of them were distressed and shocked by the behaviour they encountered.

"If anyone has any footage or information relating to this incident, please contact police via FalmouthCrimeEnquiries@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk, quoting log 509 25/01/20."

Following the match, Falmouth Town manager Andrew Westgarth said he was left ‘shaken’ as to the events off the pitch that marred his side’s 5-0 win.

Match report: Falmouth Town 5-0 St Blazey

Play was suspended for nearly five minutes midway through the second half when the green smoke bomb was let off amongst the Falmouth Town supporters at the Packet End of the ground.

Three members of the St Blazey team went into the stand to help separate the supporter and ensure he left the ground before play eventually resumed.

“I think the actions of today have completely masked over what has been a fantastic result for us,” Westgarth said on Saturday evening.

“I’ve never witnessed anything like I’ve seen today in football in my life. It’s shaken me actually, how bad it was here."

He added: “I thought the F-Troop were excellent today, it’s a real family affair there. I’ve got my sons both there, one’s nine and one’s seven, and they’ve come running to me upset with the antics that have gone on and just the intimidation and lack of regard for anybody in the ground.

“I’m just speechless with what I saw and it shouldn’t be happening at any ground let alone at this level of football. The F-Troop have worked so hard to get a good reputation, we’ve got women, we’ve got kids, we’ve got old people, young people, we’ve got families here.”

59 pictures from Falmouth Town v St Blazey

In a statement on Sunday, the South West Peninsula Football League said: "The officers of the league are aware and concerned about the incidents at the Falmouth Town v St Blazey match yesterday.

"Our main focus is always that games are played in a safe and enjoyable manner for all, as such we condemn any actions that undermine that aim.

"We are in contact with clubs, the Devon & Cornwall Police and the Cornwall County FA.

"Action against individuals/clubs are up to the respective authorities.

"We strive to ensure lessons are learnt and to ensure watching games is an enjoyable experience for all our communities."

On Sunday night, Falmouth Town FC issued a statement, which said: "Falmouth Town FC would like to reassure our supporters and the local football community that we do not condone the poor behaviour by a minority of the crowd on Saturday, January 25, 2020.

"The club is fully co-operating with the South West Peninsula League, the FA and Devon and Cornwall Police to ensure the few individuals are dealt with via the appropriate channels."

The club said it wanted to reassure the community, supporters and travelling clubs that it was an isolated incident.

It continued: "Further to this, we are very proud of how our staff, management, players and our supporters dealt with a number of difficult scenarios.

"The individuals responsible for the incidents in both the clubhouse and inside the ground were taken away from the ground by police.

"We are very proud of our history as a club and how our support has grown in recent years.

"We have received nothing but positive feedback on how we conduct ourselves as a group, from the playing team to the supporters.

"Recently we have worked hard to improve crowd numbers and strengthen a number of community links with local groups.

"We want to reassure these local groups that this is not a representation of the normal experience of our fixtures.

"We take safety of the upmost importance and always aim to maintain a family atmosphere at all games.

"We sincerely hope that this does not deter anyone from visiting our club for future fixtures and can assure you that measures will be taken to further reduce the likelihood of such incident."

The Cornwall FA has also issued a statement.

It said: "Cornwall FA is aware of the crowd disturbances which took place at the Falmouth Town v St Blazey Kitchen Kit South West Peninsula League game on Saturday, January 25.

"We will be conducting a thorough investigation, working with the match officials, both clubs and the Devon & Cornwall Police to establish what happened.

"Once the investigation is complete a decision will be made on any charges that need to be issued and we will release a further statement at that time.

"Should any spectators or members of the public who witnessed any incidents at the game wish to submit a statement then please contact Cornwall FA Governance Manager Richard Pallot on 01208 262983 or email richard.pallot@cornwallfa.com"