CALLS have been made to improve safety at football matches after fighting broke out at St Mary's Stadium this week. 

Videos shared on social media show the fight which took place during the Saints V Newcastle United game on Thursday. 

Police have since confirmed that an investigation has been launched after two people were assaulted during the game.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Our Football Unit are working with Southampton Football Club as part of our enquiries into the exact circumstances of the incident."

It comes as the club previously said it would ban unruly people for up to three years and accepted that there is a "growing trend of disorderly behaviour in stadiums across the country".

But now calls have been made for more to be done to keep people safe at matches as the problem is said to be getting worse. 

Freemantle ward Cllr Dave Shields and former cabinet member for community safety, told the Echo he has been a season ticket holder for years and said he is "really concerned at the rising tide of violence at football."

He said: "I was at the game last night. I did see from the other side of the stadium there was a bit of an incident there.

Daily Echo: Cllr Dave Shields. Cllr Dave Shields.

"It's not anywhere near as bad as it was in the 80s or 70s, it was a lot worse in those days. It has been controlled or managed better but it does seem like the past couple of years it has been slipping back. 

"I think we do need to bring the council, the police, the football authorities and the football club to make sure we're checking where we are with stadium safety.

"I think we also need to involve the broadcasters because I think some of the scheduling of games doesn't help the situation."

He added that there were also issues at last week's clash with West Ham and that now the relevant authorities need to come together to act. 

Three people were also arrested at Saints' FA Cup clash with Coventry last month. 

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Now though, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, Donna Jones has said that "violence and unacceptable behaviour both inside the stadium and outside will not be tolerated". 

But added: "In terms of the recent arrest figures published at Premier League clubs, there are a couple of key points to note. Firstly, not all arrests are related to violent incidents, some are pitch invasions and not violent activities. 

"Secondly, both Southampton FC and Hampshire Police are one of the better partnerships at reporting incidents."

 The PCC went on to say that police and the football club are currently working on several joint initiatives to improve safety at home games. 

Southampton FC has been approached for comment. 

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