Season 02/03 - March

Liechtenstein - England - 29/03/2003

Source: RTE.ie

25 English fans arrested in Zurich

Police have confirmed that twenty five English football fans were arrested in Zurich last night after violent clashes before England's game with neighbouring Liechtenstein. One fan was taken to hospital after he was injured as officers attempted to quell the fighting with tear gas and rubber bullets.

Zurich police spokesman was unable to confirm the condition of the 38-year-old man, who sustained leg injuries, possibly from a bullet, and remained in hospital. The violence last night happened as fans made their way to bars in the city centre. Football supporters threw bottles at police as scores of officers attempted to control the crowd.

Up to 800 England supporters arrived in Switzerland yesterday for today's Euro 2004 qualifier in Vaduz, Liechtenstein. A spokesman for Zurich police said: "The hooligans were breaking things and fighting. A lot of windows were smashed. We had the first call at 6pm. They were fighting and throwing bottles at police. Tear gas was used. The English were drinking a lot of alcohol. By 2am, it was all quiet."

The spokesman said a large number of the arrested had been released - but he was unable to confirm whether any had been charged. The game is being played at the world's smallest stadium certified to hold international matches. Only 900 seats have been allocated to English fans. Fans without tickets for the game would be turned away from the Liechtenstein border, police said.

England fans shot and knifed in Swiss clashes - 29/03/2003

Source: The Guardian

Security stepped up after night of violence in Zurich

Three England football fans were shot, and two others stabbed, amid violent clashes in Zürich yesterday in which police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to quell the disturbances.

All five were taken to hospital early yesterday after unrest in the Swiss city's old town involving around 100 supporters who were attending last night's game in nearby Liechtenstein. The three shot fans, aged 32, 37 and 38, underwent surgery.

United row match pub landlord threat - 08/03/2003

Source:Bolton Evening News

POLICE are taking action against a second landlord who allegedly ignored police instructions over pub opening hours on the day of last month's Wanderers clash with Manchester United at the Reebok Stadium.

They have applied to Bolton magistrates to revoke the licence of Joaquim Zarro, who runs the Cottons in Bradshawgate.

Action is already being taken against Brian Price, of the Hare and Hounds, in Market Street, Stoneclough, Kearsley, for allegedly re-opening his bar against police orders.

Earlier this year, police chiefs wrote to landlords across the borough asking them to remain closed until the noon kick off and only allow entry to regulars after the match.

They had received intelligence that hooligans were planning to cause disorder in the town on the day of the game.

It is alleged that there were so many customers in the Cottons following the match that they spilled out on to Bradshawgate.

The police had to close off the road temporarily amid fears that violence would break out.

A similar situation is said to have occurred during the England versus Argentina World Cup match last June, when police were forced to close the road, causing chaos in the town centre. However, Mr Zarro said he believed the matter had been resolved.

He said: "At the end of the day, the police have their job to do and I have mine.

"Some mistakes were made on both sides and there have been misunderstandings."

In the other case, Mr Price allegedly defied police orders to shut his pub before the game and not to allow troublemakers in afterwards.

It is understood that Mr Price was also cautioned for being drunk and disorderly.

Both cases are due to be heard at the next licensing session at Bolton Magistrates Court next month.

Police confirmed action was continuing against Mr Zarro.

Beaten dad: Rail police swoop on soccer thugs - 22/03/2003

Source: Bolton Evening News

POLICE hunting a gang of football hooligans who attacked a father-of-two at Chorley railway station have made a string of arrests across Bolton.

Eleven people have been arrested in connection with the attack which left the 47-year-old -- identified only as Steve -- with head and facial injuries.

They were all held by British Transport Police early this week on suspicion of assault and violent disorder and have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Detectives said that the arrests were made "across the Bolton area" and have confirmed that a number of addresses were raided in the operation.

Some of the men were arrested after pre-arranged interviews at Bolton police stations.

The victim was attacked as he waited on a platform to catch a train back to Bolton after Manchester United's game with Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday February 22.

He went into Chorley after the game for a drink with friends. His attackers were thought to be Bolton Wanderers fans, police said.

He was repeatedly punched and kicked in the incident at around 7pm. Today, he remained at an undisclosed hospital where his condition is thought to be improving.

His family described him as a "kind family man who wouldn't hurt a soul".

Detectives are still hoping to trace a man and a woman seen at the platform at the time of the attack who they say may hold vital clues.

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or 0161 228 5383.

Burnley: Whistle blown on football hooligans - 25/03/2003

Source: Lancashire Evening Telegraph,

A POLICE operation to curb football hooliganism in Burnley has been hailed as a success, with more than 100 arrests since its launch in December.

Since its inception Operation Fixture has seen 104 people arrested, match bans imposed, and 12 people barred from town centre pubs and clubs.

According to local police, the initiative has also led to a significant reduction in the threat of disorder both before, during and after matches, with fans and club officials bearing testimony to the improvements.

Chief Inspector Richard Morgan explained: "Fans, stewards and officers engaged in the policing of matches have all indicated a significant reduction in the threat of football violence on match days.

"However, we will not be resting on our laurels -- the good work will continue by officers working on Operation Fixture."

"The commitment shown by these officers as well as the football club and local community is as strong now as the day Operation Fixture began and we will continue to ensure that match days are safe for all concerned."

Insp Morgan added: "The vast majority of people who go to watch the football are law abiding citizens who just want to enjoy the match.

"Our objective is to ensure they can do that without having to worry about the small minority who go simply to cause trouble."

The initiative, launched in December, aims to kick football hooliganism into touch and hit offenders hard, both in the pocket and in the courtroom.

A range of tactics have been used as part of the operation. They include pre-match visits to known hooligans to warn them about their behaviour, sending warning letters to both home and away targets before matches and strict banning orders preventing people from attending matches and entering the borough on match days.

Teams of officers have also policed matches, filming hooligans and checking footage for offences.

Some offenders have been served with letters warning them that if they attend Burnley on a match day they will be arrested.

Computer equipment has also been seized from thugs who were communicating inflammatory information on the internet and convicted offenders have been named and shamed on posters and in the press.

Police are also seeking to secure funding from central government in order to increase the capacity of the newer, more stringent banning before the European Championships in Portugal 2004.

A spokesman for Burnley Football Club said: "We back the police and the authorities in any operation that they feel will make Turf Moor and the surrounding area a safer place on match days.

"Our aim is to make it a family stadium and we want everyone to enjoy themselves here."

England fans recover in hospital - 29/03/2003

Source: Coventry Telegraph

Five England football fans were in hospital in Switzerland tonight after being shot and stabbed in violent clashes ahead of England's Euro 2004 qualifying match against Liechtenstein.

Three men suffered gun shot wounds to their legs in disturbances which broke out in the cobbled streets of Zurich's picturesque Old Town.

It is believed they may have been attacked by local hooligans away from skirmishes with police.

Up to 800 England supporters descended on the Swiss city yesterday before tonight's match in neighbouring Liechtenstein.

Three men aged 32, 37 and 38 were undergoing surgery, along with two other British people aged 38 and 42, who were both stabbed with a knife.

Around 100 England supporters clashed with police early today, hurling bottles and stones at officers who tried to restore order.

Police were drafted in after drunken fans began throwing chairs. Tear gas was used to stem the rioting.

Twenty five England supporters were arrested, but later released.

A spokesman for Zurich Police said several shots were heard at around 1am close to the Calypso Bar and a nearby food stall.

He added that the British nationals were still in hospital but no condition reports were available at this stage.

The 38-year-old was believed to have been shot a number of times.

"Where the shots came from and why the stabbings arose is not clear at the moment and is being investigating by Zurich Canton Police," the police spokesman added.

The names of victims and the hospitals they are being treated in have not been disclosed.

Kevin Miles, from Newcastle, who was in Zurich at the time of the trouble, said it appeared that the five fans were injured away from where supporters clashed with police.

"We're not aware that any of these serious incidents happened where there was police presence," he said.

Mr Miles, international co-ordinator for the Football Supporters' Federation, described the damage to the Old Town.

"We're not talking large scale damage. The area's full of cobbled alleys and small streets.

"It was possible to walk though one area that looked like a war zone and turn around the corner and it was fine."

He added: "There were some pretty unpleasant scenes. The policing was bizarre. For most of the day there wasn't a policeman in place when people were drinking in cafes and bars.

"There was a complete under-policing of the situation. When the police involvement did come - they weren't big in numbers but they were very ready to fire tear gas.

"This happened before anything really escalation of violence.

"When the tear gas was fired, it brought out the worst in the minority of troublemakers."

He said some England fans took part in a racially motivated attack on a kebab shop.

Now in sunny Vaduz waiting for the match to get underway, Mr Miles added: "There are a few thousand fans over here. The vast majority have not taken part in any trouble and never have done."

Co-chairman of the Football Supporters' Federation Malcolm Clarke said that the FSF was working with the British government and police to stamp out the hooliganism associated with English football.

Of Zurich he said: "There's been a small percentage of idiotic England supporters who want to cause trouble.

"We obviously deplore that. But there are also the local yobs who decide they want to retaliate."

He added that in general: "There are grounds for optimism. The situation is a better than it was a few years ago but nevertheless it's still depressing.

"I think it's part of a wider problem. It's the problem of violent young men who have been drinking alcohol."

Ron Hogg, spokesman for the British Police operation for the match, said: "The disgraceful behaviour of the fans really should not be condoned at all.

"We must act within the UK to try to prevent these people from leaving the shores," he told the BBC's World at One programme.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: "Our consular staff are monitoring the progress of those that are in hospital."

A spokesman for Zurich City Police said: "The hooligans were breaking things and fighting. A lot of windows were smashed.

"We had the first call at 6pm. They were fighting and throwing bottles at police. Tear gas was used.

"The English were drinking a lot of alcohol. By 2am, it was all quiet."

England's game is being played at the world's smallest stadium certified to hold international matches. Only 900 seats have been allocated to English fans.

Fans without tickets for the game would be turned away from the border, police said.

Zurich is Switzerland's largest city and the country's main German-speaking business and banking centre.

The old town - known as the Altstadt - is filled with bars, cafes and restaurants. Large groups of people often gather on the two pedestrian areas on either side of the River Limmat .

One tourist guide described Zurich as perhaps a "little too tame" for some people.

Cricket celebrations turn violent; 1 dead - 02/03/2003

Source: The Tribune

A youth died and at least six were injured when celebrations over India’s win against Pakistan in the World Cup 2003 turned violent in the riot-scared western state of Gujarat, the police said today.

Gujarat was the scene of worst religious riots in a decade early last year in which nearly 1,000 persons, most of them Muslims, died in a wave of revenge killings after a train arson attack.

The youth died overnight in hospital after the police fired on dozens of Hindus and Muslims who clashed late yesterday in the Muslim old quarter of Ahmedabad. Two shops were set ablaze by the crowd.

“One died in police firing and at least six were hurt in stone-pelting but the situation is normal now”, an official said. In the industrial town of Baroda, youths hurled stones from rooftops at 150 fans staging a victory parade. Nobody was injured.

VADODRA: At least 10 persons, including two police personnel, were injured as violence broke out in several sensitive areas of the walled city on Saturday night after India beat Pakistan.

The police opened fire at minority-dominated Mughalwada and Gajrawadi areas under the Wadi and Panigate police stations, respectively, after the revellers and another group indulged in heavy stone pelting at each other. The police said a 2000-strong mob set fire to at least four two-wheelers and a couple of shops at Mugalwada.

At Gajrawadi a victory procession by a group of cricket fans turned violent when some miscreants threw stones. A Sub-Inspector was injured.

BANGALORE: The police resorted to lathi charge and lobbed tear gas shells after two groups clashed here and in Aland town of the state following India’s emphatic victory over Pakistan.

Tension mounted in the communally sensitive Tannery Road, D.G. Hally and K.G. Hally in the city after members belonging to different communities clashed each other over victory celebrations on Saturday night, city Police Commissioner M.D. Singh said on Sunday.

Members belonging to a particular community forced closure of shops on Saturday in the Tannery Road and adjoining areas, which was resisted by people of the other community.

Nearly 1,000 persons staged a protest on Sunday and demanded action against those who created trouble.

GORAKHPUR: Communal tension gripped the Ghasikatra locality in the old parts of the city following protests against fluttering of green flags, dubbed as Pakistani flags, atop houses, shops and places of worship of a community on the eve of the World Cup cricket match between India and Pakistan in South Africa on Saturday.

Members of the other community led by the Hindu Yuwa Vahini, youth wing of the Hindu Mahasabha, objected to the green flags and insisted on bringing them down, the police said here on Sunday.

The flags were later brought down which pacified the protestors, they said.

KOLKATA: An occasional tourist could befuddled himself into thinking that Divali was in March, as the cup of joy overflowed in the megapolis following India’s methodical annihilation of Pakistan in South Africa.

The sky of the city became a canvas of marvellous fireworks as the city reverberated with the sounds of crackers burst by the frenzied cricket fans who took out processions with band parties in almost every locality of the metropolis to celebrate the big win.

Manchester United - Leeds United - 11/03/2007

Source : Press

OVIEDO - ZARAGOZA - 23/03/2003

Source : Mail

Slask Wroclaw - Arka Gdynia - 30/03/2003

Source: Reuters

One man died and three people were injured when rival football fans fought a running battle with knives and axes in the south-west Polish city of Wroclaw.
Police made 120 arrests after the battle which erupted during a match between two second-division teams, Slask Wroclaw and Arka Gdynia, police said.
The unidentified victim was found lying seriously injured at the scene and later died in hospital.
Michal Listkiewicz, head of the country's national football association, blamed the violence on "bandits posing as fans".
"They are murdering Polish soccer and all of our sport," he told the Polish state news agency PAP.
Crowds pelted policemen with stones during the trouble and they waded in to make arrests.
Three injured people were taken to hospital for further examination.
Arka won the match 5-0.
*******************************************************

One man has been killed and several others seriously injured in fighting between rival fans during a football match in the south-western city of Wroclaw in Poland, police said.
Over 120 people were arrested after skirmishes broke out during the match between minor league sides Slask Wroclaw and visiting Arka Gdynia.
Police spokesman Ryszard Zareba said the victim died in hospital and three others were being detained overnight in hospital. The hooligans, many of whom were armed with axes and knives, pelted police with stones before being brought under control.

Lazio 'ultras' demand release of jailed members - 30/03/2003

Source: Reuters

Rome - Hundreds of hard-core 'ultras' fans of Serie A side Lazio gathered outside the prison Sunday demanding the release of eight of their members held for violence during a match.
Twelve Lazio supporters were arrested last week by anti-terrorist forces for vandalism in the capital on August 31 last during a friendly match against Serie A rivals Juventus.
Eight have been detailed and face various charges relating to the wrecking of offices and burning of cars around Rome's main stadium including Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) offices nearby.
"The most important match is for the freedom of the detained ultras," proclaimed banners held by some of the estimated 500 gathered outside the prison. They were joined by fifty ultras of city rival's AS Roma.
Lazio's 'ultras' fans have gained a reputation for violence and have been fined on several occasions for racially abusing players.

Wales - Azerbaijan - 29/03/2003

Source: Soccer Fans

Plenty of lads out from both Swansea and Cardiff city.Healthy mob of Wrexham down,a load of them travelling to Budapest today but there planned excursion to Belgrade will now have to wait.There was a skirmish between a few Wxm and a half dozen jacks outside City Arms.Most Cardiff were sunning it in Mill lane.About 15 Cardiff and 30 fellas from Swansea had a fight,fists flew through St Marys St about half 9,there were more scuffles later on,as well as a fight at the train station with the police getting involved.They weren't really jacks,just your steriod abused white shirt wearing doormen types.Plenty of blood spilt from both sides.Pity about Belgrade,there could have been real fun there.Swansea and Cardiff both had lads nicked,shame about that.

Lincoln City - Bristol Rovers - 29/03/2003

Source: Soccer Fansµ

Not the best turn out by us but 50 odd good lads out, yes you had a good mob out (id of said about 60/70 off you in front of us and maybe 10/20 behind) when we met in that street,i was a bit shocked when you all stopped and the stand off happened,wasnt many ob about then and could of been interesting,respect to all our boys as once again we stood and there was no sign of anyone running,i think you were probably a bit shocked we stood thats why you all hesitated, but yes respect to both firms lets hope you dont go up and we manage to stay up!

Georgia - Ireland - 29/03/2003

Source: Reuters

Kevin Kilbane revealed how he was struck on the arm by an open pen-knife during Republic of Ireland's Euro 2004 victory over Georgia on Sunday.
The incident came moments before Georgia scored in the 61st minute to cancel out Damien Duff's 18th-minute goal. Also during the game, Gary Breen was hit by a ball bearing, Duff was struck by a plastic drinks bottle and a glass vodka bottle smashed against Shay Given's post.
"It was a six-inch pen-knife and it was open," said a stunned Kilbane. "It hit me on the arm and I didn't realise what it was until I picked it up.
"When it fell on the floor it was open. I couldn't believe it really and I have never experienced anything like it before. "You expect an intimidating atmosphere but that was serious - thank God it wasn't more serious".

Chelsea FC - Arsenal FC - 25/03/2003

Source: Soccer Fans

Atmosphere returns to better times.Not a regular down the bridge at the moment, but really enjoyed the night.Totally lost it (with the result) I was ranting like a fucking lunatic when the 3rd went in.4 chances, 3 goals CUNTS.
In the Shed upper, some hero aussie stewards were Wrestling with some fat bloke, don,t know what for. They got a smack and he got away.Its not worth it lads for what Bates pays you!!
Outside by the Britannia there was alot of Chelsea seemingly up for it.I saw battons drawn on a couple of occasions.Good to see some young`uns bouncing around by the broadway, but shouting "Chelsea aggro" while being chased by OB with a police dog does not a hooligan make,lol.The Arsenal team and fans wind me right up. I hope you`re proud of yourselves,fucking tossers.
there was scuffles all night between blues and gooners,a man was arrested during a fight in a local pub,and police dogs and mounted units were brought in to seperate fighting fans,police were kept busy all nights with arrests being made,and fans being ejected from the stadium by police and stewards.

Brighton & Hove Albion - Crystal Palace - 25/03/2003

Source: Soccer Fans

Eight arrests after football match Brighton and Crystal Palace are long-term rivals
Eight people were arrested in Brighton city centre on Tuesday night after Brighton and Hove Albion's match with Crystal Palace.
But Sussex Police heralded the night as a success and said it vindicated their policy of maintaining a "reassuring presence" in the city.
The two football clubs have a rivalry going back decades and a history of bad feeling between the fans.
The match finished in a 0-0 draw.
Sussex Police said in a statement the eight arrests had been made for "various public order offences" but stressed none of the offences involved serious assault or violence.
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Groups of Brighton milling around town beforehand together they probably numbered 200+ didnt see any palace other than a few in the high street surrounded by o.b
Outside Preston Park station before the game saw a small group of Palace perhaps 20 odd o.b had them well protected tho and it kicked off with o.b as around 100 Brighton a mixture of older and youth lads tried in vain to charge into them but o.b were really prepared,and we had too many really anyway.
very disappointed with you palace

Coventry City - Leicester City - 22/03/2003

Source: Soccer Fans

GET BUS 9.00 2 COV ONLY 9 (SHIT I NO ) OF US NO OLD BILL SO MADE WAY 2 COV WERE WE SEE 2OF THERE YOUNG LADS THAT CLOCK US WE THEN MADE WAY 2 ABOUT 50 YARDS AWAY FROM THE MAIN BOOZER (SO SAID ONE OF THERE LADS) WERE WE WAS IN TP WOOD WHEN A FEW YOUNG LADS KEEP WALKING ABOUT SEEING IF WERE STILL IN THERE AND ABOUT 10 MINS LATER ABOUT 30 YOUNG LADS TRYING 2 GET IN PUB WERE WE STOOD AND BATTLED THEM BACK.ONE LAD JUST GOT IN SIDE DOOR WAY TO FROW A PUNCH ARE LADS CHUCKING BOTTLES AT THEM WERE THEY WER LOABING BOTTLES BACK FROM OUT SIDE DOOR WAY THEN ABOUT 2 MINS LATER ABOUT 40 OR SO CAME BACK FEW OLDER LADS AS WELL AND STARTED 2 GET IN AGAIN WE JUST LOABED TABLES CHAIRS AND F*CKING EVERY THINK AT THEM. RIGHT SO THEN PHONE STARTS GOING OF ONE OF THERE OLDER LADS SAYING FEAR PLAY 2 LOT FOR COMING ONLY 9 OF U U STOOD AND DEFENDID UR PUB F*CKING WELL LADS GOT A LOT OF RESPECT FOR U 9 LADS LEAVING PUB WOULD NOT BIN A GOOD THING U NEW WHAT WAS GOING 2 HAPPEN IF U DID.
THEN OLD BILL COME LOOK US IN PUB OUT BACK DOOR OLD BILL AGAIN WE FINALLY GET OUT AND THEN MADE AWAY 2 LITTERN TREE WERE NO OLD BIL WITH US SOME ONE RECEVID A PHONE CALL SAYING THAT THERE YOUNG LADS ARE ON WAY UP AGAIN 2 LITTERN TREE SO WE STORMED OUT OF THERE AND WENT LOOKING AGAIN AND COULD NOT FIND THEM SO OLD BILL GET US MARH US U 2 ROCKET WERE THEN 2.30 COMES AND THEY SAY LETS HAVE U TRY SENDING US 2 GAME 4 OF US BANNED SO NO GO SENT BACK BRUM WERE OLD BILL WAITING FOR US THEN PUT US BACK ON TRAIN 2 LEICESTER
U CAN SLAG US OF FOR ONLY 9 YTH GOING BUT WERE NOT THE BEST YTH FIRM IN ENGLAND BUT WE GOT A LOT OF YOUNG LADS THAT NEED 2 GET TOGETHER AND START GOING GAMES
RESPECT 2 COV YTH FIRM BEST IVE SEEN ALL SEASON

Pas Giannina - Panathinaikos - 22/03/2003

Source: Soccer Fans

Wrexham - York City - 22/03/2003

Source: Soccer Fans

Between 300 and 400 York fans with 45 lads: 15 on minibus, three car loads, and 15 on train. Minibus didn't arrive until about 2pm because of transport problems but went into town. Others arrived 1pm and went into Miliners and the Welsh version of Weatherspoons - it's called some Welsh name but it's a Weatherspoons. The only enquiry we got was when York liason police popped into Miliners and later on in Weatherspoons. Do Wrexham have any lads over 17? Wrexham "lads" giving it the big one from their new stand on the side during the game, but nothing outside after, just two tossers making a show by looking at the away fans walking to the station. If this is the so-called Front Line, we stepped over it.

Botev Plovdiv - Levski Sofia - 22/03/2003

Source: Soccer Fans

A group of 20 casuals from Levski Sofia escape from the police escort and go to the city center,there they fight with some Botev fans in one trolley bus and take some Botev scarfs!Then near the stadium they fight with Botev ultras and take about 20 scarfs and one big banner but then the police come and bring the banner back to the botev ultras and arrest 2 of the Levski casuals!

AC Milan - Juventus Turin - 22/03/2003

Source: Soccer Fans

800 Juventus ultras arrived in Milan by train. From the station to Meazza stadium they've been controlled by police.
When they arrived near the stadium, they've been attacked from a big mob of ac Milan hooligans, armed with knives, fireworks and baseball bats. Heavy clashes all around the stadium, from 6 till 7:30 pm... An open bar was seriously damaged, as ultras took all the chairs and tables for throwing to the police.
Policemen tried to stop the fights, throwing lots of teargas and charging ac Milan ultras, while Juventus supporters entered in big rush in the stadium. After all Juve fans entered the stadium, the mob keep attacking all the police and carabinieri present in the stadium area, throwing stones, fireworks and other objects and engaging face-to-face fights...
The police department talks about 2 cars set on fire, lots of police vans damaged and 24 policemen injured during the riots.
At the end of the match, a group of ac Milan supporters tried to reach the sector where Juve ultras were hosted. There was a really big clash with police forces, which had to close themselves into the stadium. The riots continued in all the stadium area, from 10:30 pm till midnight. Juventus supporters had to stay inside the stadium till 1:00.
After all, two ac Milan lads were arrested (one blocked after the clashes, the other found with a knife, some bombs and a big quantity of cocaine), and other 16 lads were denounced.

Aston Villa - Birmingham City - 02/03/2003

Source: Press

Celtic fans fined over plane alert - 10/03/2003

Source : BBC

Four Celtic fans have been fined by a Welsh court following a mid-air alert during a flight from Spain.

The privately chartered jet, carrying 148 supporters, made an emergency landing at Cardiff International Airport last December.

The four fans admitted charges including being drunk on board an airplane and behaving abusively and were together fined almost £700 including costs.

The men were arrested on their way back to Glasgow from a Uefa cup match against Celta Vigo in Spain.

'Ugly scenes'

Magistrates in Barry, South Wales, heard the pilot made the emergency landing after the air crew said they were confronted by drunken fans causing "ugly scenes" on the jet.

The court also heard a row had erupted about smoking in the toilets.

Other fans were then said to be angry when they were told they would be detained on board to trace the culprits when they landed at Glasgow.

Their protests triggered the pilot to make an emergency landing at Cardiff Airport - where the fans were greeted by 60 police, fire crews and paramedics.

Mayday call

Prosecutor Richard Killick said: "The attitude and demeanour of the passengers towards the cabin crew was already hostile because the flight had twice been delayed and was running 12 hours late.

"When they were told they would be delayed again while staff investigated the smoking in the toilets, the situation degenerated.
"It got to the point where a senior air stewardess was struck on the arm by someone who has never been traced.
"The pilot took the view that the safety of his staff had been compromised and gave a Mayday signal."

One fan caught drinking - Joseph Duffy, 19, of East Kilbride - was fined £150 with £35 costs after admitting being drunk on board an airplane.

Another fan, a 17-year-old juvenile who cannot be named, admitted being drunk on an airplane and smoking on an airplane while prohibited. He was fined £200 with £35 costs.

James Brennan, 42, of Inverclyde, near Glasgow, and welder Hugh Haggerty, 37, of Glasgow, both admitted offences of behaving in a threatening, abusive, or disorderly manner.

Each were fined £100 with £35 costs.

Five released

Dave Pinnell, defending Duffy, described it as "not so much a storm in a tea-cup as a storm in a Celtic T-shirt".

He said: "Some of the passengers felt some of the aircrew had not handled the situation properly and that the actions of the pilot were unnecessary."

Five other fans arrested were released without charge by South Wales Police.