FOUR Bolton men have been charged with affray after a Bolton Wanderers match at Watford in August.

A Bury man and seven Watford fans have also been charged in connection with the disorder, which is said to have taken place place in Watford before and after the match.

The incident is alleged to have involved a large group of people who had gathered in Market Street, Watford, on August 9.

Phillip Hales, aged 41, of Devon Close Little Lever, Ashley Lowe, aged 27, of Thomasson Close in Halliwell, Jordan Johnson, aged 22, of Jethro Street in Tonge Moor and 48-year-old Stuart Burton of Freshfield Avenue in Farnworth all answered bail at St Albans Magistrates Court on Monday and were charged with affray.

Joining them was 23-year-old Christopher Smith from Milton Road in Radcliffe, Bury.

The five men, along with the seven Watford fans, are due at the same court again on January 27.

Supt Sue Jameson, who is charge of policing football matches in Watford, said: “We take football-related violence incredibly seriously, especially when it occurs in front of families and children, and will do all we can to prevent it taking place.

"On the rare occasion it does happen, we will conduct full and thorough investigations alongside our colleagues in other police forces to ensure those suspected of being involved face justice.”

The match at Watford’s Vicarage Road ground on August 9 was won 3-0 by the Hertfordshire club.