A jury in the trial of two football supporters accused of violent behaviour during a disturbance at a Burton town centre pub has failed to reach verdicts in the case.
Michael Whittingham, 49, a paramedic, and 42-year-old Denis Eenkhoorn, had denied a charge of using or threatening unlawful violence on July 16 last year.
Following a five-day trial at Stafford Crown Court the jury was discharged by Judge Michael Challinor.
The Crown Prosecution Service will now consider whether to seek a re-trial in the case.
Season ticket holder Whittingham and Eenkhoorn, a joiner, both from Stoke-on-Trent, were allowed bail with a condition of not attending any Stoke City matches.
During the trial the jury heard pool cues, bar stools and pool balls were used as weapons, tables were turned over and people were hurt at The Locomotive pub in Station Street a year ago.
Much of the brawl was captured on CCTV - which was seen by the jury - and the incident coincided with a pre-season friendly match between Burton Albion and Stoke City played earlier the same day but the violence did not involve any rival fans.
The two defendants, who were among a dozen Stoke City fans who had been drinking in pubs and bars in Burton town centre on the day, said they had been acting to protect themselves.
Ten other Stoke fans - all from the Stoke-on-Trent or Stone areas - have pleaded guilty to their part in the incident and await sentence.
