FOUR men have appeared in court over trouble before and after Swindon Town’s League Two game against Exeter City earlier this year.

None of the men, who each face a charge of violent disorder, entered pleas. The case was adjourned until December 18 for further discussion between lawyers for the Crown and the defendants.

Daniel Dickinson, 28, of Briar Fields, Swindon, Samuel Cullum-Short, 22, of Queenborough, Toothill, Matthew Greener, 34, of Barnes Wallis Close, Bowerhill, and Darren Hicks, 44, of Bourton Avenue, Stratton St Margaret, were bailed.

Prosecutors allege the men were involved in trouble before and after Swindon Town’s home fixture against Exeter on February 1.

Town fans are said to have confronted away supporters on the way to the County Ground ahead of the 3pm kick off, with a bottle allegedly thrown at police as the two groups met outside the Tap and Barrel pub on Manchester Road. There was further trouble after the game, it is said.

Following the violence, Swindon police commander Supt Adrian Burt said: “The game in general passed by without significant trouble, but it seems there was a minority of football fans intent on causing disorder and disruption to not only the other football fans, but also the wider community who were out in Swindon on Saturday afternoon.

“This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated and we are fully investigating to bring those responsible to justice.”

Dickinson was represented at Friday’s crown court hearing by lawyer Tony Bignall and Greener by Christopher Simmons. Paul Jones appeared for both Cullum-Short and Hicks.

The Crown was represented by Susan Cavender.