Season 02/03 - September

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."

Peterborough vs Nottingham Forest: Football riot yobs shamed in court - 04/09/2002

Source : http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk

FOURTEEN city football hooligans have been jailed after a mass brawl between fans of Peterborough United and Nottingham Forest.

FOURTEEN city football hooligans have been jailed after a mass brawl between fans of Peterborough United and Nottingham Forest.FOURTEEN city football hooligans have been jailed after a mass brawl between fans of Peterborough United and Nottingham Forest.

The yobs were today starting prison sentences of between three and 30 months after going on the rampage in the city centre in August 2001.

Four more thugs have been ordered to serve community punishment orders for their part in the fighting, which brought mayhem to Peterborough's streets before what was supposed to be a pre-season friendly match.

They have all been banned from attending football matches for up to 10 years for what Judge Nicholas Coleman described as "tribal warfare".

Sentencing them at Peterborough Crown Court yesterday, the judge said: "It has been suggested that this was not a serious disorder and no bystanders were injured, but people have the right to go into the city centre without becoming involved in tribal warfare.

"It occurred in the city centre on a warm, summer's day, when families were going about their daily business.

"There is evidence of mob violence, ranging across Broadway. Items were picked up and thrown, and physical violence was rampant. To suggest it was not serious is completely wrong."

The city centre was bustling with shoppers when fighting broke out in the streets, prior to the match on August 4.

The court heard supporters of both clubs had been drinking and singing in the College Arms pub, in Broadway, before the shocking scenes.

But trouble erupted when a group of Forest fans left the pub at about 2.45pm - 15 minutes before kick-off - and were followed by a group of Posh supporters.

Bottles were thrown, and within seconds a mass brawl had begun. The fighting continued in the streets as the thugs moved towards Yates wine bar.

Shoppers, including women, children and pensioners, ran for cover and cars came to a halt as the thugs fought running battles using metal road signs as weapons.

Among the thugs who were jailed was Adam Bevilacqua (21), of Stuart Close, Stanground, who was described as a "ringleader" by the judge.

The court was told he may have started the violence by throwing a bottle at rival fans outside the College Arms pub. He also grabbed a terrified man - who was completely unconnected with the incident - and marched him down Broadway, haranguing him.

After pleading guilty to violent disorder, he was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment and given a 10-year football banning order.

Another thug, Adamo Galietti (21), of St Peter's Walk, Yaxley, near Peterborough, was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment and given a 10-year football banning order after pleading guilty to violent disorder. He was seen on CCTV throwing a metal sign towards rival fans.

Judge Coleman added that the men had used football as an excuse for their violence.

He said: "It was said in Mr Galietti's pre-sentence report that he belonged to a group of supporters who use football as a cover for their anti-social behaviour. In my opinion that statement can be applied to them all."

Only one of the men convicted yesterday was not a Posh fan.

Top cop praises judge for tough line

A SENIOR city police officer today said he was pleased about the tough stance the court had taken with the 18 football thugs.

Detective Superintendent David Hankins said the sentences given to the group sent out a very clear message to "mindless" football hooligans that trouble would not be tolerated.

The thugs were trapped after being filmed fighting in Broadway, outside the College Arms and many were tracked as they made their way away from the scene.

CCTV operators were then able to direct police officers to them and a number were arrested near the Old Monk pub in Cowgate, Peterborough.

Officers then trawled through footage of the brawl to identify the rest of the thugs caught up in the trouble in Broadway on Saturday, August 4, last year.

Some of those involved were arrested days afterwards as police raided addresses across the city.

DS Hankins said: "These supporters went to cause mayhem, which is totally unacceptable. The sentences reflect the gravity of their behaviour, and I hope it serves as a reminder to anyone else who is considering acting in a similar way."

Hartlepool: Football thug beat gran with broom handle - 30/09/2002

Source : http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk

A FOOTBALL thug has walked free from court again - this time for battering a grandmother while she held his baby in her arms.

Hartlepool man Ian Charles Bailey, already a convicted football hooligan, was given a community rehabilitation order for his latest offence.

He took a wooden broom handle to Kathleen Collins, the mother of his ex-girlfriend, in an attack both in the street and in her own home.

And it all happened while Miss Collins held Bailey's child in her arms, a court heard.

Today, his 54-year-old victim talked to the Hartlepool Mail about her sickening facial injuries and how she daren't leave her house alone since the attack.

But town magistrates decided not to jail 24-year-old Bailey, despite describing him as not a very credible witness and hearing of his violent past - which includes a conviction for threatening behaviour to rival Darlington supporters.

Instead, the unemployed roofer was placed on a 12-month community rehabilitation order designed to teach him to control his temper.

Magistrates heard how the actions of the Murray Street man had left a family distraught.

On March 26 this year, Bailey had a row with his then girlfriend Lynn Eglintine, who was living with her mother Kathleen in Richardson Street in Hartlepool, the court heard.

Prosecutor Sharon Campbell said: "There was an argument between Ian Bailey and her daughter and when Miss Collins intervened, the defendant took her by the throat."

Bailey left, but returned to the terraced house at teatime when Miss Collins was looking after her three-month-old grandson.

Ms Campbell added: "Kathleen Collins was in the kitchen holding the baby when she heard the door.

"When she went into the living room, Bailey was stood holding a wooden broom shank."

She said Bailey began hitting Miss Collins "for no reason.

"She fended him off with her hand, but he hit her forehead and the wood broke.

"The victim ran into the kitchen and then into the street.

"Bailey appeared from an alleyway and hit her with the 2 to 3ft long stick about the face, head and body several times."

Witnesses heard screaming from the house during the attack. One said it was a dreadful and sickening attack.

"All of this happened while Miss Collins held Bailey's child in her arms, " said Ms Campbell.

She outlined Bailey's criminal record, which includes two offences in 1994 and 1999.

The Pools fan was also fined and barred from all professional football matches in March after he used threatening behaviour against rival Darlington supporters two years ago.

But Bailey, who was found guilty after a day long trial, was described as someone who could benefit from the help of the probation service.

His lawyer Emma Piasecki told magistrates: "It is clearly a difficult domestic background and Mr Bailey does realise this is serious enough to warrant a custodial sentence.

"Although he does have a record, Mr Bailey is someone who has never benefited from the help that can be offered by the probation service and he does need that help.

"He is someone who acts impulsively and without giving proper consideration to his actions.

"He needs to take responsibility for his actions."

Magistrate Keith Kitching sentenced Bailey to take part in a 12-month community rehabilitation order.

He also told the Sunday league football manager that he must attend Think First sessions, which will help him to control his temper.

Mr Kitching said: Do not think this is a soft option."

Magistrates had had a claim from Bailey that he assaulted Kathleen Collins through self-defence.

But the justices rejected the argument and Mr Kitching added: "We take Mr Bailey as a less credible witness."

Bailey, who is unable to work through an injured hand, was also ordered to pay 200 compensation to Miss Collins and 150 court costs.

He was told if any appointments are missed, his benefits will stop.