A woman and her two teenage sons were verbally abused by a group of Rotherham football fans on an ongoing journey to Nottingham.
The woman and her 15, and 19-year-old sons were left ‘shaken and intimidated’ after asking the group to quieten down, but they were met with a barrage of abuse and swearing.
British Transport Police are appealing for witnesses after the incident on Saturday 15 August on board the 9:27am service from Rotherham to Sheffield.
When the victims got off the train at Sheffield to board the front carriages to continue their journey to Nottingham, the fans followed boarding the carriage and then threw beer cans at them.
It was then that one of the group – a man described as white, around 5ft 8in, aged mid forties and of stocky build with greying hair – pulled an earphone out of the 19-year-old’s ear.
PC Emma Williamson said: “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 should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.
