Southend United have booted out their security firm after "disgusting" scenes in which guards clashed with fans.

Club chairman John Main today said he was not "prepared to risk the safety and security of supporters" - and vowed that police would patrol the stadium for the rest of this season and next.

Mr Main's decision comes after a deluge of calls from angry fans claiming they had been set upon by members of the Blues new firm, First Class Security.

The company - overseeing its second game at Roots Hall when the clashes happened during Monday's Blues and Scunthorpe game - claimed its guards were attacked by fans.

Manager of the security firm, Sean Bissett insisted that his guards "became the focal point of a baying mob."

But supporters in the South stand claim they were manhandled out of their seats by guards when they asked them to stop blocking their view.

Club chairman John Main said today: "Under no circumstances am I prepared to risk the safety and security of our supporters.

"Although the situation regarding the security people is still ongoing, I have decided, with immediate effect, that Essex Police will manage all future games this season and, hopefully, next.

"I have had a meeting with them already and everything is in place.

"We are not prepared to cut corners where finance is concerned. The police will cost money but I can't put a value on things like this.

"I am disgusted with the scenes which occurred on Monday and it is very, very upsetting."

Blues fan, Nathan Taylor, 23, of Hilton Road, Canvey, was at the match and claims he was a victim.

He said: "I was just watching the game and one of the security guards jumped over the wall and grabbed me. He threatened to beat me up.

"He was pulled away but he came at me again. I was panicking because I'm not the fighting type.

"It was disgraceful. One old bloke was knocked to the floor."

Geoffrey Isaacs, 41, of London Road, Hadleigh, said the game was ruined by the guards' behaviour.

He added: "The security company claims the crowd were being abusive but I never heard any comments. I clearly heard one of the security guards say 'if you want a fight let's go outside now'. It was appalling."

Keith Slater, 27, of Polstead Close, Rayleigh, added: "I didn't see the cause of the incident but people were being picked up by their necks."

Barry Collier, runs UK Security Training in St Andrew's Road, Shoebury, to educate guards on the best way to tackle trouble.

He said: "It seems to me the security guards went way overboard."

Chief Inspector Roger Grimwade, of Southend police, said the club had requested the last three home games of the season would be patrolled by police. He said police were still in negotiations with the club over next season.

First Class Security was unavailable for comment.

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