West Bromwich Albion - Cardiff City - 11/02/2001
Source: The Argus
Soccer yobs go on rampage
Violence erupted on the streets as football fans clashed during the Albion v Cardiff match on Saturday.
Hundreds of police had been drafted in because of fears of trouble.
Twelve fans, both Brighton and Cardiff supporters, were arrested during the Division Three game, which Brighton won 1-0.
The Station Hotel, in Hampstead Road, Brighton, was left with only one window intact after rival, ticketless, supporters clashed.
Landlord Derek Stott blamed a renegade band of Brighton fans for sparking the trouble which saw ashtrays, furniture, pool balls, cues and even a road sign hurled through his pub windows.
Fighting spilled on to the street as more than 15 thugs came to blows.
Mr Stott, 52, said: "I've seen trouble in pubs before, but nothing like this. They've wrecked the place. They've caused such a mess, I'll be closed for days."
Mr Stott had left the pub in the hands of his barman, Rob Semark, 28, and Mr Semark's girlfriend, Jennie Winson, 29, following the 3pm kick-off, believing once the fans were inside the ground it was safe.
He said: "Apparently all of a sudden the Brighton fans realised there were Welsh voices in the pub and the trouble started."
The bar staff took refuge and when Mr Stott returned he was confronted with the devastation.
He said: "The pub is about 80 years old and some of the original windows were still here, now there's only one left.
"I'm disappointed, very disappointed, especially with the Brighton fans, but you always have a bad element.
"We've had Brighton fans in here ever since they moved to Withdean and there has never been trouble."
Police had launched a full-scale security plan, Operation Seagull, with South Wales Police, British Transport Police and Brighton and Hove Albion FC after receiving intelligence that fans from Cardiff and Brighton were intent on causing trouble.
Hundreds of officers, some with dogs, were posted to Worthing and Brighton railway stations and arriving fans were herded to the Withdean stadium.
After the game, officers were drafted into the city centre and Worthing. Police vans lined Madeira Drive, Brighton.
More than 60 Cardiff City fans left Withdean and made their way to Worthing in the evening before breaking into groups and dispersing from the station.
A large group gathered in the Clifton Arms in Tarring Road, shortly after 7pm, where licensee Karen Ledger became concerned.
She said: "Some Cardiff City supporters came in and the police told me to be wary, but it was fine, no problem.
"Then I looked out of the window and saw riot police arriving. The Brighton fans were herded up the road by the police.
"I was not at all concerned, but I would have been if the Brighton lot had been allowed in as well."
Police hailed their operation a success with only a dozen fans arrested from a crowd of almost 7,000 at the match.
Superintendent Peter Coll, of Sussex Police, said: "I'm proud of all concerned in this operation as we had the potential to sustain significant damage and disorder.
"As a result of excellent intelligence and swift action, we were able to stop an outbreak of violence in Worthing town centre."
Albion Chief Executive Martin Perry said: "Unfortunately we have a very small group of so-called fans who attach themselves to the club who use a game as an excuse, but they are not true fans."
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Yesterday at 4:24 pm by UFW Maltchickers
