Season 02/03 - September

Newcastle United - Feyenoord Rotterdam - 24/09/2002

Source: local text

Thirty people were arrested last night after newcastles home defeat against feyenoord. A spokesman for Northumbria Police said the fans were arrested for "football related disorder" near Grey's monument around 11.45p.m He said some supporters were "intent" on causing a fight with away fans after Newcastles 1-0 Champions league defeat at st james park. Those arrested were later released without charge". Also viewed a hideously ugly geordie firm in and around newcastle arms around 7.20 but unsure where their target was. Loads of police vans and horses close by at end of stowell street outside rosies bar.

Angry Roma fans - 24/09/2002

Source: Reuters

Roma captain Francesco Totti has urged the team's fans to get behind the players and put an end to the protests which have followed the team's poor start to the season. Roma face Greek side AEK Athens in the Champions League on Wednesday but their preparations for that game have been overshadowed by the angry after math to their shock 2-1 home defeat to Modena on Sunday.
A group of around 100 hardcore 'ultras' protested outside the team's Trigoria training ground on Monday, singling out defender Jonathan Zebina for abuse and the Frenchman was jostled as he entered his car during ugly scenes. "I want to ask our fans to stick together and to be more calm," said Totti in comments reported by the daily Gazzetta dello Sport. "Above all I want to see that these protests are not useful. Who does it help blaming (coach Fabio) Capello or Zebina? This is a crisis that neither us nor the fans expected. "The best things we have achieved we have done with the help of the fans and if they stand by us we can more easily get out of this moment
of difficulty."

Plymouth Argyle - Cardiff City - 24/09/2002

Source: ITK forum

About 150 Cardiff lads made the transfer to Plymouth, by cars and coaches. Prior to the game, a group of 20 Plymout lads arrived in front of the away stand. A violent toe-to-toe erupted, during one minute long. Some other scuffles erupted after the game. Fifteen people were arrested.

PSV Eindhoven - Arsenal FC - 25/09/2002

Source: ITK forum + Eindhoven Dagblad

A bit of a lively visit from the Arsenal. Tuesday night about 40 Arsenal/50 Ajax drinking in Amsterdam, Ajax kick off with locals and almost immediately OB swamp the area and spend the next hour charging up and down the Red Light alleyways in their wagons. Come Wednesday, OB presence in Eindhoven was the highest I'd ever seen for a European game, far more than the games against Man United + Leeds, so clearly something big was expected. Butterflies start appearing in stomachs as news comes in that Eindhoven OB are turning back anyone without a passport, it later turns out it was just some excuse to send back the occupants of a coach who hadn't come to Eindhoven to admire the lightbulb factories. Arsenal split up as a result, heard 20 Arse/Ajax drinking in a bar are fronted by 100 PSV, who are brave enough to throw a load of chairs, but not much else, Arse/Ajax stand their ground and once the chairs run out the PSV get legged and are saved from a hiding by OB. Usually 20 doing 100 stories belong in books, but this one was confirmed separately by two independent observers, plus by the Arse/Ajax lot themselves. OB shut down all outdoor tables, things quieten down. In ground, not a lot to report, went off twice in home section between PSV/Arsenal after Henry's goals, small numbers (8 or so) involved though. Henry also gets pelted by coins and stuff. All quiet afterwards. Teletext said 25 were nicked (13 Dutch, 12 English) before the game. Overall, quite impressed with Arsenal last night, both on/off the pitch. Not unreasonable to think they will be completing a treble at OT in May.

Bullets for Hiddink - 25/08/2002

Source: AP

PSV EINDHOVEN coach Guus Hiddink has received a death threat, warning that if he has as much success with the Dutch soccer club as he enjoyed with South Korea at the World Cup, he could be shot. He told the London Evening Standard he had thought of retiring from football after receiving a letter six weeks ago with two bullets in it. He led the World Cup co-host to the semi-finals.

Liverpool FC - FC Basel - 18/09/2002

Source: forum

Here is a Basler view:

The main mobilization made of Basel (40 Basler + 5 Braunschweiger) entered over secret means in England and occupied all day long ne tavern in the city center. In addition so slowly a decent troop collected itself so that we in the end of approximately 70 people at the start hatten.Wir had attendance of a Leeds LOD, a few Evertoner and a leader of the Derby County gang. Also the three-cheese high leader of the Liverpooler before the tavern crossed sometime up and told us that they did not want to come into the city center.... We did not have however all day long a bull at the ass!!!! If we had courage should we to the Stanlays Pub with the stadium come, them are there always before the plays. Said done.... When we came there anmarschiert, the oxen stood there also... with approx.. 40 men outside and still unites inside, all by the volume old people... First us massively glasses and stones flew against, some stormed with bottles in the hands against... were unfortunately the Englishmen soon empty shot, now came our time. one ran drauf and stepped the oxen purely into your tavern, another part to the residential district were hunted!!!! The Liverpooler wanted to again collect itself however we again hunted it.... Now "old was Bill" on the plan... To the late hour again 15 Scausers ran before arm anise hotel, a entscheidenter error... it musten run again before Armani and its 12 Picos... Result In Switzerland gibts not only milk and cows.....

UEFA to investigate racist incidents at PSV - 26/09/2002

Source: Reuters

UEFA is to launch an investigation into alleged racial abuse and missiles directed at Arsenal players during Wednesday's Champions League game at Dutch club PSV Eindhoven. After Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had described the people responsible as "crazy", UEFA communications director Mike Lee promised action once the ruling body had received the referee's report later on Thursday. "On the evidence of last night we will begin an investigation," Lee said. "Now we will look at the evidence. "Of course we utterly condemn any form of racism and are deeply concerned over the reports of incidents in the PSV-Arsenal match." Wenger said: "It was terrible and should be banned and I think UEFA will react. We did not feel under threat but in every crowd there are always some crazy people. It is up to UEFA to react and we have full confidence in them to do that." European soccer's ruling body is expected to put the case to its disciplinary committee, which next meets on October 10. Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, who scored two late goals to complete his side's 4-0 win, was the main target for the abuse.
PELTED
Henry twice appeared to be pelted with missiles as he prepared to take corners, with Slovakian referee Lubos Michel briefly halting play to pick up a number of items including plastic water bottles from the pitch. On the second occasion Henry was about to take a corner one PSV fan rushed the fencing and appeared to scramble up it as high as he could go -- without any reaction from the home stewards. "They were throwing coins, lighters, other stuff, I saw a plastic bottle," Henry said. "I don't want to talk about it because I just want to talk about football - but it's a bit of a shame. "Obviously, I have two ears but you did not see me shout back. I was just waiting to take the corners, I was doing my business and the referee was doing his. "Now UEFA must do their business. I do not want to forget that our team have done a great performance tonight." There have been increasing incidents of racial abuse this season, with both Liverpool and Fulham players subjected to it. UEFA is considering action following abuse of Fulham players during their UEFA Cup first round match at Hajduk Split last week, while England striker Emile Heskey was abused when Liverpool played at Valencia last week in the Champions League. There was also trouble between rival fans before the PSV-Arsenal match, with police making a number of arrests following minor incidents.

Aarhus GF - Viborg - 27/09/2002

Source: Ultras Diffidati

To this low risk game in the danish league no one thought that there would be any troubles. But AGF lost the game 1-3 and this was more the their fans could take. When the referee made the final whistle about 10-15 AGF supporters entered the pitch and attacked the Viborg players. One Viborg player were kicked in the chest before the supporter were forced to the ground by the Viborg goalkeeper. The situation were kaotic.Outside the stadium the trouble continued and missiles were thrown by the AGF hooligans at the Viborg busses. Only 2 fans were arrested but the police will look at the video that they got from the game and identify the trouble makers that ran onto the pitch.

RSC Charleroi - RSC Anderlecht - 27/09/2002

Source: Belga + belgian forum

A violent clash erupted, at 11.20pm, on a the road to return for Anderlecht fans, in Nivelles. seven people were injured and transfered at hospital. This fight erutped,opposing Anderlecht fans to a local youths group. Some weapons as baseball bats and knives were used. Police forces don't know the reasons of this fight. Several arrests were made.
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After the game, the hardcores were ready for an off but police forces knew the place. After some minutes, both groups were up for it in another place, without police forces. Visitors were there with approx. 100 lads, some with chairs, glasses...and local were there with 40. After a violent clash, locals have to retreat as they were outnumbered. Police forces made an intervention.

Westerlo - Germinal Beerschot - 28/09/2002

Source: TV

After Beerschot fans were angry about referee, the game was suspended for 15 minutes, as they tried to entered the pitch, destroying a fence. Police forces have to intervened.

Rapid Bucarest - Dinamo Bucarest - 28/09/2002

Source: Reuters

Three people were injured in street clashes with anti-riot police before Rapid Bucharest's 3-1 Romanian first division win over local rivals Dinamo Bucharest. Fans fought each other before attacking police with clubs and stones. No arrests were reported. Some 1,600 policemen were deployed at the Giulesti stadium for the match, considered 'a maximum risk' by local authorities. A spokesman at the Bucharest hospital where the casualties were taken said that none of the injuries they treated was serious, although one fan was stabbed in the arm. During the match, visiting Dinamo fans ripped up around 100 plastic seats in the stands and threw them on to the pitch. The trouble was the latest in a series of violent episodes that have marred Romanian soccer. Earlier this month, police fired rubber bullets during clashes with Steaua Bucharest fans after trouble broke out on a main road near Bucharest. Three supporters were wounded in the incident after Steaua lost a match against Universitatea Craiova.

Tottenham Hotspurs - Middlesborough - 28/09/2002

Source: ITK forum

After the match, toe-to-toes erutped in the main street. OB managed to separate locals and Boro lads

Montpellier - Paris SG - 28/09/2002

Source: forum Total Ultras

Here is a local view:

Prior to the game, at 5pm, a group of 100 Parisians arrived near the stadium. In front of the local 'fan's house', just 20 Montpellier ultras were present. After they provoked eachother, Parisians charged locals who ran away. No police forces were present.
Parisian view: it was not 100 PSG lads, but 60 Boulogne Boys (ultras).

RC Lens - Lille OSC - 28/09/2002

Source: Lille fans forum

Fifty Lille lads went on the road for this high-risks derby. Thirry of them without tickets. This group stayed all the time inside the local hardcore pub, called 'Le Bollaert'. After the game, there was an off at this pub. About 100 locals charged Lille lads, using bottles and bricks. French CRS have to intervene to restore order. All the visitors were arrested.

Manchester City - Liverpool FC - 28/09/2002

Source: ITK forum

For this game, both firms were up for it, with interesting numbers. Concerning locals, and after a calm period, old and top lads were present. For Liverpool, some rumours said it was the best mob for the late 10/15 years. Cavalry charged visitors when they arrived. Escorted Liverpool lads passed trough Oxford Road. The main fight erupted between small contingents of both sides. The fight (7-8 minutes long) was stopped by police. Some other fights erupted at Piccadily station.

Wrexham - Everton FC - Worthington cup - 28/09/2002

Source: Category C

Prior to the game, a fight erupted neat the trainstation, opposing equal numbers crews, but everything changed when 60 other Everton lads arrived by train. Everton firm charged locals who had to retreat. During riots, 2 visitors were injured (knive). During the game, when Everton scored, local fans invaded the pitch. Some arrests were made.
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A 15 year old youth from Kirkby is awaitng medical reports to see if he will require surgery to remove glass particles from his eye after a horrific attack in a Wrexham pub before Tuesday nights Worthington Cup tie.
JW was in a town centre pub with his father and uncle when a large group of home fans attacked the bar throwing bottles and glasses at visiting Everton FANS".
I will say know more.

Gloucester - Newport County - 28/09/2002

Source: Citizen local newspaper

fighting football hooligans forced a shut-down of city centre pubs after Gloucester City drew 1-1 with Newport County. Landlords were ordered to close their doors on Saturday evening to avoid trouble from Newport County fans. Fans of the Welsh side were chased out of the football ground by security guards midway through the second half. A small, hard-core group of Newport fans had moved to the City supporter's side of the pitch and started singing anti-English songs. They swore and prowled in front of City supporters who ignored the goading and many City fans, especially those with children, moved away. One Newport supporter yelled out to his mates: "Break the legs!" As the Newport fans ran out of the stadium with security guards in pursuit, police in riot vans gathered outside. But no arrests were made inside the ground and they moved into the city centre at around 4.30pm. A few hours later, landlords at the Dick Whittington, The New Inn, The Regal and Chambers were told to shut their doors. The trouble was understood to have centred on Chambers in St Aldate Street. "It was sorted out quite quickly," said a woman who was in Chambers when violence flared. "I was quite frightened." Chairs were thrown and at least one person was struck with a glass bottle. A member of staff at Dick Whittington on Westgate Street said at the time: "Police have rung around and told us to shut because of Newport fans. I am not taking any risks." A member of door security staff at The Regal at King's Square said: "We had to shut because of fighting in the city centre. There was no fighting here." Gloucestershire police spokesman Suzanne Lightfoot said they were investigating several disorder incidents in the city centre and they were now studying CCTV footage. "Both incidents appear to have been instigated by a group of people from Newport who had ostensibly travelled to Gloucester for the FA Cup match between Gloucester and Newport," she said. "The first incident took place in Southgate Street at about 3.30pm when a Gloucester man was assaulted in a pub. A small fight broke out and a man from Newport and a woman from Gloucester were arrested." Both were bailed pending further inquiries, along with another man, arrested after more serious violence in St Aldate Street. "At about 4.45pm a more serious disturbance broke out," she said. "A group of people believed to be from Newport walked in to a pub and began an allegedly unprovoked attack on the customers socialising there. She said four people from Gloucester were injured, two from flying glass, a member of staff suffered a broken nose and one man's arm was broken. Police have appealed for anyone else injured to come forward. Gloucester City chairman Colin Gardner condemned the trouble-makers but was proud of the way City fans reacted under extreme provocation. Six extra security guards were brought in for the FA Cup second qualifying round tie, in case of trouble. "I was really impressed with the Gloucester fans," he said. "I'm sure Newport County are upset with these people coming along to cause trouble."

Lucchese - Cesena - 29/09/2002

Source: Ultras Diffidati

Two local fans were arrested after troubles who occured for this game. Riots occured when Cesena coaches arrived in front of the stadium. A large group of locals attacked the coaches, throwing missiles. Police forces restored order.

Foggia - Frosinone - 29/09/2002

Source: Ultras Diffidati

Prior to the game, a group of approx. 100 Frosinone ultras fought with their rivals. Some cars were damaged. Four people were arrested.

Lazio Roma - Milan AC - 29/09/2002

Source: Ultras Diffidati

Some minutes prior to the game, local fans fought with carabinieri, during 10 minutes. Everything started when locals saw the coach of the Milan hardcore and tried to attack it, but the coach was escorted by police forces. As they were angry, Lazio fans fought with policemen and threw missiles at them.
Inside the stadium, some firecrackers were exchanged.

Pistoiese - La Spezia - 29/09/2002

Source: Ultras Diffidati

At the end of the game, police forces and carabinieri have to intervene to stayed away rival fans, but some small riots occured. Half an hour after the game, both sides of fans were up for it in front of the main stand. Some fans were injured during the fight. Some cars were also damaged, when Spezia fans threw bottles.
Prior to the game, some local ultras tried to reach their rivals.

Metallurg - WIT Tbilisi - 30/09/2002

Source: Ultras Diffidati

For this georgian game, WIT won the game 1-3, but at the 75e minute, the game was stopped as the pitch was invaded by local fans and the referee was attacked.

Espérance Tunis - Costal del Sol - 30/09/2002

Source: Reuters

Tunisian club Esperance have been banned from playing their next African Champions League match at the El Menzah stadium in Tunis, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said on Monday. CAF have ordered Esperance to play this weekend's group B tie against Costa do Sol of Mozambique at least 100 kilometres away from Tunis as punishment for an attack on a referee in a Champions League game last month. The one-match ban and a $5,000 fine was handed down for the attack on Moroccan referee Abderrahim El Arjoune at the end of the 1-1 draw with
Zamalek of Egypt in mid-August. The official was attacked by a spectator after he had disallowed a
late effort by Esperance striker Kandia Traore. The spectator ran on to the pitch and threw a punch before being apprehended by security officials. Earlier in the match, the referee had also awarded Zamalek a controversial penalty, which the Egyptians missed. At the end of the match, El Arjoune was also jostled and verbally abused by Esperance players.

League probe into Watford violence - 11/09/2002

Source: Soccernet

The Football League have teamed up with the Football Association to investigate the 'disgraceful' violence which marred last night's Worthington Cup tie between local rivals Watford and Luton.
The match at Vicarage Road was delayed by 15 minutes after rival fans clashed prior to kick-off, with riot police brought in to restore order.

The League will wait for reports from both clubs and the police before taking any action - but are already 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 and 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 into last night's disgraceful scenes.'

Luton eventually progressed to the second round with a 2-1 win

Dundee FC - Celtic - 22/09/2002

Source : Daily Record

CELTIC chief executive Ian McLeod last night claimed his war on bigotry will go on despite hearing pro-IRA chants during yesterday's 1-0 win against Dundee.

The songs could clearly be heard coming from the away section at Dens Park just days after McLeod's plea to season-ticket holders to keep their political views out of football.

The Parkhead chief said: "Some of the songs were a bit disappointing but it was predictable.

"There is a vocal minority entrenched in their views and it was always likely they would make a demonstration at the first away game since the letter went out.
"But this is a long-term programme and I'm not naive enough to think it can be changed overnight.
"About 20 per cent of fans were participating, which is probably less than one per cent of our season ticket-holder base so we've got to put it into perspective. We're trying to achieve something through consensus, not conflict."