Season 02/03 - September

Watford City - Luton Town - Worthington Cup - 09/09/2002

Source: BBC

Violence mars local derby

Luton Town says it will ban for life anyone involved in Tuesday's violence at their Worthington Cup match against derby rivals Watford.


In a statement issued on their website the Hornets urged fans to help identify those involved in the disturbance at Vicarage Road.

Ten minutes before the game started, rival fans fought running battles on the pitch after dozens of Luton fans jumped over advertising hoardings.

At one point a supporter was seen to rip up a corner flag and brandish it like a weapon.

The kick-off was also delayed by 15 minutes because of the large numbers of people outside still trying to access the stadium.

Fans from both sides were involved in fighting, and police eventually restored order by forcing the pitch invaders back into their seats and blocking off the area behind the Vicarage Road goal.

A spokeswoman for Hertfordshire Police said one person required hospital treatment, and there had been two arrests. There was also trouble in Watford town centre before the game and at various railway stations.

Callers to the BBC were critical at the complete lack of police and stewards inside the ground as the pitch invaders ran on unchallenged, and Watford chief executive Tim Shaw promised a full inquiry.

After the match he told the BBC that they had more than sufficient numbers of stewards and police at the ground but he couldn't comment because he didn't have all the facts available.

"Clearly the club will look at how it happened, what lessons need to be learnt and what action should be taken" he said.

Investigation
Meanwhile, the Football Association have launched an investigation and Herts Police have been defending the lack of police prescence inside the ground where the rioting took place.

The force claims it had to prioritise its officers outside the stadium where it felt there was a greater need to police disturbances.

Inspector Glyn Evans, from Herts Police, speaking exclusively to the BBC says they will be conducting a post incident investigation themselves before handing it in to the FA:

"We're disappointed that we weren't in a position to prevent pitch incursion by those purporting to be Luton supporters" he said.

"We're disappointed that we weren't in a position to prevent confrontation by those purporting to be Watford supporters" he added.

"It's happened. We will be carrying out a post-incident investigation with a view to identifying those involved and will seek to arrest."
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Source: http://www.lutontoday.co.uk

Fighting fans hold up cup-tie

Ugly scenes after Luton supporters taunt home fans at Vicarage Road
There were ugly scenes between Luton and Watford fans before last night's Worthington Cup tie at Vicarage Road.

The start of the game was delayed for 15 minutes after the trouble at 7.30pm.

A 40-strong section of Luton fans spilled on to the pitch to taunt home supporters in the Rous Stand.

Watford fans then ran up the pitch from the opposite stand to confront the visitors supporters and a series of ugly altercations took place for several minutes before any kind of police presence inside the ground arrived to restore order.

Few arrests appeared to be made with all supporters sprinting back into their seats but one fan was stretchered away.

There were also believed to be several violent incidents outside the ground and in neighbouring Hertfordshire towns.

The kick-off was delayed for 15 minutes, with several people still trying to get into the ground.

Coventry-Millwall: security measures - 27/09/2002

Source: Coventry Telegraph

We're ready for Millwall

A senior police officer coordinating supporter arrangements for tomorrows Coventry-Millwall clash at Highfield Road said they are treating it as a potential high-risk game.

But Supt John Larkin, of Little Park Street police station, stressed the clash was different from last seasons meeting when both teams were battling it out for the play-offs.

Supt Larkin said: Millwall have a terrible reputation for crowd violence.

However, were taking steps in intelligence to make sure our response can be effective to deal with whatever occurs. Well have some officers from London who are actually football intelligence officers wholl travel up and link up with local officers spotting hooligans.

In terms of last year we did an awful lot and there was an awful lot riding on the game: its a different risk assessment this year.

Weve been liaising with intelligence officers who cover the Millwall Football Club and their fans activities, and well have officers at the ground, in the city centre and at the train station.

He added: It is a potential high-risk assessment, but the factors are not as aggravated as they were last time.

Watford - Luton: Joint probe launched into trouble - 11/09/2002

Source: BBC News

The Football Association and Football League have launched a joint investigation into the crowd violence at Watford's Worthington Cup tie with Luton.
Running battles were fought between rival supporters on the pitch when around 50 Luton fans jumped advertising hoardings at the away end prior to kick-off, which was delayed by 15 minutes.

Match report: Watford 1-2 Luton
One supporter was rushed to Watford General Hospital with a head wound after the skirmishes, and two arrests were made.

Police in riot gear eventually restored order, but the match went ahead and a minute's silence planned to mark the victims of 11 September was scrapped.

The FA is awaiting reports from Hertfordshire police and match referee Peter Walton, but will investigate the violence.

Spokesman Adrian Bevington said: "We have to wait for the match official's report and police reports but we are now investigating serious crowd trouble."

The Football League are also in discussions with the FA over what course of action to take.

League spokesman Ian Christon said: "We have called for reports from the teams and the police etc.

I thought we'd got rid of all this years ago

Watford boss Ray Lewington
"We are liaising very closely with the Football Association who are responsible for disciplinary matters surrounding crowd trouble.

"We understand they have also started their own investigation."

Watford are also investigating the incident, which followed disorder in Watford town centre prior to the match.

A club statement read: "Watford Football Club is currently discussing the events with various organisations both inside and outside the club, including the police.

"When we are in possession of all the facts it is our intention to comment."

Watford and Luton are bitter rivals but had not met each other for four years.

Police were called to disorder in Watford town centre before the game.

Watford manager Ray Lewington was appalled by the violence, and admitted he thought the club had eradicated the hooligan element.

Lewington said: "We don't want it. Young kids come and watch games. It's terrible. I thought we'd got rid of all this years ago."

The more you talk about the dummies the more you encourage them

Luton boss Joe Kinnear
There was a heavy police presence outside Vicarage Road, but it was left to helpless stewards to try to keep the rioters apart inside the ground after the pitch invasion.

And it was five minutes before riot police emerged from the players' tunnel to take control of the situation.

A Hertfordshire police spokesman said: "A number of individuals were able to gain access to the pitch but a heavy police presence before the game ensured the disorder was dealt with quickly."

Luton manager Joe Kinnear played down the trouble, and admitted he kept his players in the dark to help them concentrate on the match.

He said: "We didn't know anything until we were coming out and we got a message from the ref saying it was an 2000 BST kick-off.

"I told the players it was to let the fans in. They didn't need to know what was going on. They had to focus on the game. We didn't speak about it.

"No-one likes it but it happens everywhere, not just here but in most countries.

"Why should we give the 50 idiots any acknowledgement? The more you talk about the dummies the more you encourage them."

Ultras rampage as Nesta, Crespo exit - 01/09/2002

Source: Reuters

Hard-core fans of Serie A side Lazio, angry over the sale of two of the club's best players, wreaked havoc late on Saturday night wrecking offices and burning cars around Rome's main stadium.
Some 300 fans left the Olympic stadium at the start of a friendly match between Lazio and Juventus and broke into some of the nearby national sports associations' offices smashing computers, photocopiers and desks before setting fire to papers. On the way to the offices they burnt five cars, three kiosks and knifed two Juventus supporters in their buttocks. On Saturday financially troubled Lazio sold team captain and international defender Alessandro Nesta to Serie A rivals AC Milan for 30.2 million euros. Argentine international striker Hernan Crespo was also sold to Inter Milan for 26 million euros plus striker Bernardo Corradi. Three fans have already been arrested and television broadcasts said another 25 people had been identified and could be arrested shortly. Lazio's 'ultras' fans have gained a reputation for violence and have been fined on several occasions for racially abusing players. Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti has introduced several initiatives aimed at eliminating the influence of the hard-core minority but so far had little success. On Saturday night Cragnotti's house was protected by police.

Action after Chelsea-Arsenal's game - 01/09/2002
Source: Reuters

A decision on whether to take action against supporters who threw a glass bottle on to the pitch during Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Arsenal will have to await the referee's reportand any possible police
report, the English Football Association said onSunday.After Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira was controversially sent off fora second bookable offence after 50 minutes, a bottle was tossed from thestands at Stamford Bridge and referee Andy D'Urso handed it to officialsin the players' tunnel.D'Urso has also been asked by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger toreconsider his decision to book Vieira on two occasions during the fieryEnglish premier league match.

Violence flares in pub after Sheffield derby game - 01/09/2002

Source: a local newspaper

A Sheffield pub was at the centre of controversy on Monday, after a violent incident the previous evening. Police were attacked by fans at the Sportsman pub after Sunday's derby game. But police reaction to the violence has been described as provocative. The trouble began at around 2000 BST when bottles were thrown at officers by drinkers on Denby Street. Reinforcements were called, and around 100 police officers surrounded the Sportsman pub, where customers had begun wrecking the interior. At one stage, the landlady and her staff had to leave the bar area and lock themselves upstairs. After police had surrounded the building, officers removed customers two at a time. All those involved were photographed as they left. One person was arrested at the scene. Speaking to the BBC, South Yorkshire Police's Jim Greensmith said he thought it was "very likely" that more arrests would follow. "It was a very nasty incident," Greensmith said. "The pub was virtually wrecked." But the pub's landlady, Susan Appleyard, said she believed police actions exacerbated the original incident. "Obviously they responded to this call, which they have to do - they have to do their job," she said. "But the United fans didn't take too kindly to the way police processed the operation."

Velez Sarsfield - Independiente - 01/09/2002

Source: NA press agency

The journalist Rodrigo Garcia Lusardi was attacked by a group of barras bravas, at the end of the game. He was slightly injured at one of these fingers.

PSG fans on Court - 03/09/2002

Source: Reuters

Eight PSG fans appeared before a court, after clashes who erupted the 13rd March 2001, during the game PSG vs Galatasaray. Fifty-six people were injured during this game.
They were appeared before the court for several reasons (riots, throwing missiles, right-wing ideas...). They were discovered by CCTV.

Nice-Marseille: police request a delay of 2 hours - 04/09/2002

Source: AFP

Nice police forces requested the National Football League to delay of 2 hours the game opposing Nice to Marseille, who will played the following Wednesday at 6.00pm. All authorities said streets outside the stadium will be closed, for security reasons. Many french CRS will be also on the place.

Ternana - Lazio Roma - Friendly game - 04/09/2002

Source: Tifonet

After the game, a Ternana was was stabbed by a group of 5 Lazio ultras, who were arrested by police. One of them is aged 16. Police also discovered banners and weapons in their car.

Fenerbahce hit with hefty fine after crowd trouble - 06/09/2002

Source: Reuters

Turkish club Fenerbahce were hit with a hefty fine of 50,000 Swiss francs (£25,000) by UEFA on Friday following crowd trouble at last week's Champions League match against Feyenoord.
The Dutch side won the second leg of the third qualifying round tie 2-0 to go through to the competition proper 3-0 on aggregate, but the match was marred by the Turkish fans throwing objects on to the pitch. Feyenoord coach Bert van Marwijk, who was himself fined 5,000 Swiss francs for improper conduct, complained vociferously to the referee about the missiles being thrown from the stands at Fenerbahce's Sukru Saracoglu stadium. Loudspeakers at the ground made frequent calls for spectators not to throw things on to the pitch or at players. The Champions League qualifying match was also briefly delayed at halftime to allow smoke from flares lit in the stands to disperse. But UEFA decided to close the file and take no further action against Feyenoord's Bonaventure Kalou and Miroslav Stevic of Fenerbahce who fought each other in the first leg in Rotterdam on August 13. Slovan Liberec of the Czech Republic were fined 15,000 Swiss francs for their fans chanting racist slogans and for a fan running on to the pitch against AC Milan last Wednesday in their Champions League qualifier.

Russia - Ireland - 07/09/2002

Source: Reuters

More than 100 Russian and Irish soccer fans clashed in central Moscow ahead of a European championship qualifying match on Saturday. Interfax news agency, quoting police, said at least 12 visiting fans were injured in fights just off a central Moscow thoroughfare and behind the city's Red Square near a hotel where many of the Irish fans were staying. Three Irish supporters and one Dutch fan were taken to hospital, Interfax reported. Police said at least six Russian supporters were arrested. Moscow authorities, still smarting from a soccer riot in June after Russia lost a World Cup game to Japan, said some 2,000 policemen and Interior Ministry troops were patrolling near the Lokomotiv Stadium where the match was taking place. A man was stabbed and more than 100 were hurt in the June riot in the worst violence Moscow had seen in a decade. Moscow police escorted large groups of Irish fans back to their city centre hotels on Saturday after their side lost 4-2 to Russia.

Lithuania - Germany - 07/09/2002

Source: a fans forum

Here is a local view:
There where 2 good fights between lithuanian ultras and german hool's in Lithuania on this weekend. On friday about 30 lithuanian ultras atacked some mixed german mob in Vilnius near the stadium. 2 minutes long fight and 3 germans in hospital. Germans used chairs and glasses in action but still they loose this fight. Than riot police arived to ground and some lads from each sides where arested. On the next day 3 hours befor the game fight starteed in the center of the Kaunas city. Lithuanian mob with 50 ultra clashed some 30 german hooligans. Unfurtunaly fight was short course police forces arived. About 5 germans are injured. Good weekend for lithuanian ultras!

Violence in Argentina - 08/09/2002

Source: Puntogol

The derby, opposing Lujan de Cuyo to Independiente Rivadavia, was definitively stopped by the referee at the 42nd minute, after violence erupted in the terraces, especially on the visitor side, who threw missiles into the pitch and tried to entered on it.

Romania police pledge to use force against violent fans - 08/09/2002

Source: Reuters

Fans of Bucharest top soccer clubs Steaua and Dinamo have been warned police will use force to prevent riots they plan around a match between the two teams next weekend. The Interior Ministry issued a statement on Sunday in response to calls by the fans to join forces and attack police after next Saturday's game in retaliation for violence between riot police and Steaua fans after a 3-1 loss last week against Universitatea Craiova. Three Steaua fans were injured by rubber bullets during clashes with police on a highway near Bucharest. "Interior Ministry forces are determined to intervene promptly to severely punish any actions affecting the...normal social climate," the statement said. One of the websites of the Dinamo fans said: "Let's unite in a real fight against the mutual foe...and destroy the cops who shot at you. Next time the target could be us." Another site said: "Fighting against cops is the sole way to win." The match is considered by the Romanian Soccer Federation to pose a "maximum risk." Steaua, the traditionally military team, and Dinamo, with police associations, have a long history of rivalry with clashes frequently erupting between supporters.
In 1997, Dinamo fans set fire to Steaua grandstands before the start of a match.

Smith: Rio can expect hot reception - 09/09/2002

Source: Reuters

Leeds striker Alan Smith has warned Rio Ferdinand that his former team mate will face a hostile reception from the Elland Road crowd when he returns next Saturday with Manchester United.
International team mates in England's 1-1 draw with Portugal last weekend, the two will be on opposing sides in Saturday's premier league clash after Ferdinand's 30-million-pound ($47-million-dollar) move to Old Trafford. "He'll probably get hammered, knowing the Leeds fans," Smith was quoted as saying in the British press on Monday. "But he did everything he could for our club and it's out of our hands. "I hope he gets hammered -- it might put him off a bit," Smith quipped -- before adding: "No, I'm only joking. He's a good lad and a world class player. It will be strange playing against him but I am looking forward to it." Ferdinand joined Leeds from West Ham United in November 2000 for 18 million pounds and helped them reach the Champions League semi-finals in his debut season, going on to assume the captaincy in place of injured Lucas Radebe in August 2001. Both his transfer moves set world record fees for a defender.

Special measures for big match - 09/09/2002

Source: This is Hertfordshire

Watford FC and Herts police have drawn up a number of measures to safeguard the safety of fans and the general public for the Hornets' Worthington Cup clash with local rivals Luton Town at Vicarage Road on Tuesday, September 10. At the end of the first round tie, all Hornets' fans will have to leave via the exits towards Cardiff Road, or wait in their seats for around ten minutes. Hatters' fans are being asked to leave the ground immediately after the match because the narrow concourses in the North Stand, and the fact that all exits lead on to Vicarage Road, make it dangerous to keep supporters behind in that part of the stadium. Once they have left the ground, Luton fans will be directed towards a fleet of waiting coaches or to other methods of transport. Watford supporters, who have waited behind, will then be allowed to leave through their normal exits once the Luton fans have dispersed.

Watford FC - Luton Town - Worthington Cup - 10/09/2002

Source: This is Hertfordshire and ITK forum

Some of the worst scenes of violence witnessed at Watford FC's Vicarage Road ground in years marred Luton Town's surprise Worthington Cup victory over the Hornets on Tuesday (September 10) night. With unconfirmed reports coming into the stadium of trouble in the approaches to Vicarage Road in the build-up to the first meeting between the rival clubs since 1998, it didn't take long for the problems to spill over into the ground. Around 20 minutes before the scheduled kick-off at 7.45pm, the players, who were warming up, were ordered from the pitch after a 50 to 60-strong group of people seated in the end of the ground designated for Luton fans broke through perimeter advertsing boards and moved towards Watford supporters in the Lower Rous Stand. Several fights appeared to be breaking out as both sets of fans clashed, while a corner flag and an industrial hose reel were seen to be used as weapons. A number of supporters from the Rookery End then sought to enter the field of play, but after an initially small police presence had been bolstered by significant reinforcements - most of whom were wearing riot gear - the incident was soon brought under control. The problems, both inside and outside the ground, led to a 15-minute delay in the kick-off to 8pm, but the remainder of the game, which Luton won 2-1, appeared to pass off without any major incident.
Here is a Spurs fan view:
Had the pleasure of spending last night in the company of an impressive Luton firm. Something you would expect for a game which generates the usual ¡®derby hatred¡¯ and ¡®loath¡¯ for one another. To be honest I expected this game to be policed with the same standard which frustrates us and many other Premier league mobs up and down the country. To my disbelief the old bill were a complete shambles! Whether it was the fact that this derby has not taken place for a few years or that Watford rarely have any one take it to them with numbers, who knows? From the moment the old bill met us at Bushy with apprehension and got greeted with a bombardment of rocks and bottles it was obvious they were going to fuck up. The fact that they then let 20-30 Luton then march in to the town centre without escort summed it up. When in the town centre the police naively let Luton casually drink outside the pub as there numbers were being boosted by the late arrivals including over 100 barmies who were also intent on playing their part in the nights events. The police received a shower of bottles and pint pots before and after the escort left for the ground (I bet a certain Mr P wishes he had arranged for an influx of plastic glasses to be delivered to all public houses in Watford!) Numerous attempts were made to get away from the old bill and jokingly most of them succeeded before being round up and led back to the pub. A few Watford were apparently run, but whether these were Watford lads or not, I don¡¯t know? Didn't have tickets for match so I missed what went on in the ground. Fair play to Luton for making an effort on the pitch and Watford deserve some credit for coming on also. It may seem a stupid thing to do from an on-looker, but Luton (and Watford?) were going to stop at nothing to have it last night.

Finnish police free Wales fans - 10/09/2002

Source: The Firm forum

Finnish police have dropped charges against four Wales football fans who had been expected to appear in court on Monday. The Foreign Office confirmed that the authorities decided not to take any further action against the four after they were among 10 arrested following the Wales-Finland game on Saturday. Six people arrested were released on Sunday without being charged. Considering the large contingent from Wales, it was a very successful night Over 2,000 hardened supporters had followed Mark Hughes' improved team to Scandinavia and were elated with the 2-0 Wales win, celebrating later in streets and bars. Qualification for the tournament in Portugal would be the first taste of major championships in over 40 years for Welsh fans. But police in Finland's capital city have praised their behaviour and said they were all welcome to return. "I am pleased and surprised at the behaviour of the Welsh fans. They are very welcome to come back," said chief inspector Tom Emmes. And a spokesman for the British Embassy in Helsinki said: "Considering the large contingent from Wales, it was a very successful night and we are relieved that everything passed off so well." Wales' next match in qualifying Group Nine is against Italy at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, on 16 October. About 28,000 tickets have already been snapped up for that game in the wake of the win in Finland, according to the Football Association of Wales. The FAW is expecting up to 60,000 tickets will be sold by the end of the week. Seven thousand tickets are reserved for visiting Italian fans.

OGC Nice - Marseille - 11/09/2002

Source: AFP et forum Total Ultras

Six Marseille fans were injured in Nice, during the game Nice-Marseille at Ray stadium, when they 'played' with a firecracker. One of them was transfered at hospital. Incident occured on 1st half, when scuffles erupted between fans.
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It seems scuffles erupted during the game, opposing different Marseille supporters groups (MTP and Commando Ultra), but also between local stewards and South Winners. No incidents occured between rival fans as police organisation was on top all the day.

FC Burnley - Stoke City - 14/09/2002

Source: ITK forum

Here is a local view:
nothing to report from me before the game, big police presence in town centre and heard that stoke had 300 lads penned into a pub there? lots of burnley faces out so we knew stoke where here or arriving. loads of Youth in the ground and looking at it Burnley will have a largish mob for years to come (by youth i mean 16-20)Have seen on the board that theyve been travellin a bit aswell recently. 2nd half and Stoke's boys had gathered close to us halfway up cricket field stand, now we could estimate 150-200 as they were together. Stoke took the lead and made a bit of a jovial bounce down a few rows of chairs which prompted a surge from burnley to get close to the action too, as stoke were ushered back up by the stewards, we equalized. Stoke came at us again and this time Burnley went on the pitch and had it with stewards. Riot police were in stoke's end by now, and they made a few efforts to break the lines and tossed a few chairs as well. they headed out a few minutes before end and grouped up at the corner of Yorks st. they were held back and burnley where pushed back by dogs when we got within spitting distance of eachother. stoke had a good crack at breaking the lines but didnt manage it.
At that point i dived into a pub as it was pretty much over i reckoned, if it was gonna go it would have gone on the corner. It was just a good crack today, nothing to heavy. Stoke brought the best firm since Forest/zulu's (i'll stand corrected!!), so credit to 'em and the police presence reflected this unfortunately. Last time i saw them was when i was a nipper and about 2/300 steamed through burnley centre without a copper in sight.....times have changed.

FC Bologna - AS Roma - 14/09/2002

Source: Rai

After Batistuta scored for Roma, some missiles were exchanged by rival fans. After the game, carabinieri have to intervened as supporters of both sides were clashed outside the stadium.

AEK Athens - Panathinaikos - 14/09/2002

Source: Reuters

The crisis in Greek soccer has deepened as fans lit fires and ripped up seats after the Athens derby between AEK and Panathinaikos. The game, which had been in doubt until Friday due to a league shutdown, ended with supporters starting fires in the stands and ripping up thousands of plastic seats.
Three large fires were lit by fans in the away section of AEK's Nikos Goumas stadium, after their Panathinaikos side lost 1-0 to a 40th minute goal by Ilija Ivic. There were no arrests or injuries reported in the immediate aftermath of the game, according to state television. One AEK fan was hospitalised before the kick-off after falling from a perimeter fence. The defeat left Panathinaikos bottom of the table with no points after three matches. Greek soccer has witnessed frequent outbreaks of crowd violence in past seasons. Panathinaikos were forced to play their final home matches of last season behind closed doors after a mob assaulted the referee at a match against Olympiakos in March. On Saturday, the fire brigade were pelted with plastic chairs as they attempted to put out the blazes. More than 4,000 Panathinaikos supporters were forced to wait in the burning stands after police sealed off exit gates to avoid clashes with rival fans, state television reported. The match was one of the highlights of the two remaining rounds of the championship before a shutdown announced on Friday. The strike action was agreed by the League of Professional Clubs (EPAE) after the government refused to compensate them for loss of television revenue. Ten of Greece's 16-team top division were left without a broadcast deal after Alpha Digital's demise on Wednesday. The Nikos Goumas stadium is scheduled to close in December as work begins on renovations ahead of the hosting of the Olympic soccer tournament in 2004.

Marseille - Bordeaux - 14/09/2002

Source: a french fans forum

Prior to the game, 2 coaches, fulled with ultras from both sides (one from Devils Bordeaux and another from a Aquitaine area Marseille's section fans) have stopped on the same place. A fight erupted and Devils were on top during it. Some Marseille fans were injured.
During the game, visitors received many missiles.

Videoton - ETO Gyor - 14/09/2002

Source: hungarian newspapers

Eto fans caused troubles with police forces.