Season 03/04 - February

Martinafranca - Taranto - 16/02/2004

Source: Tifonet

During half-time, Taranto fans made damages inside their stand and threw several missiles into the pitch. When referee re-entered the pitch, the game was delayed for 13 minutes.
Polices forces made interventions. Two fans were arrested.

Manchester United - Manchester City - 14/02/2004

Source: ITK - Utd view

Some off cities main lads got escorted up busbyway gob it utd smashed into them once or twice police pushed cities firm down towards stretford utd tryed to get through but unsucessfull it went quite and utd split and re joined up down chester rd at the gorse it went off once and for all city stood for a wile then had it on there toes down towards the arndale these were cities mainb boys they knew who they are

Vitesse Arnhem - FC Groningen - 24/02/2004

Source: post

21-02-04, this day Fc Groningen is playing Vitesse in our city Arnhem. We already had contact with some lads from Groningen for several days before this match. The lads from Groningen told us they would come to the city centre or our City and that they would call again once they arrived at the station so that we could prepare ourself to face them.

On the day of the match we heard that a group of 40 lads from Groningen are travelling with the train and that they will arrive around 1900 o'clock. We were waiting in our pub in the city centre (korenmarkt) and got a phonecall from one of the lads from Groningen who told us that they had just arrived at the trainstation and that they will be within 5 minutes near our pub.

Minutes later we heard the Groningen group singing and saw them walking in front of our pub. A few lads from Vitesse got out of the pub and wanted to attack the Groningen lads, the lads from Groningen saw this and immediately charged our pub. a couple of lads from Vitesse were wounded due to the fact that they couldn't get in the pub when Groningen charged.

We never got the chance to get out of the pub and the police was by this time trying to get the lads from Groningen away from our pub which succeeded because tha Groningers had to run for the police.

We got out of the pub and surged for Groningen lads but where not able to get to them.

The only thing i can say is that we do have respect for Groningen because the charged us and fought with no weapons. We didn't had the chance to do something back in the beginning but i know that if Groningen stayed for some time longer in the City centre we would have destroyed them.

ANTI-NEC...Respect to Groningen but they were also lucky

Beerschot - FC Antwerp - 22/02/2004

Source: post

The game was a derby between Germinal Beerschot Antwerp (GBA) and Antwerp. GBA is nr. 7 in the division and Antwerp 18th (last). They were 11000 fans. Only 400 Antwerp supporters, because there was an action to get their license for next year.

GBA won the match with 1-0. During the game any fans of Antwerp (20-30) couldn't accept the score and search problems with stewards by hangingand standing on the fence. I don't know of their are arrested because I've only see it on television.

Birmingham City - Sunderland - Cup - 25/02/2004

Source: Yahoo


A fan is escourted of the pitch by police during the Birmingham City and Sunderland match - FA Cup

Police target football hooligans - 17/02/2004

Source : BBC NEWS

Operations are under way to ensure Middlesbrough's Carling Cup Final is not spoiled by violence.

Cleveland Police say its football intelligence unit will prevent hooligans travelling to Cardiff for the match with Bolton Wanderers.

The force is working with police in Cardiff and Bolton to prevent organised clashes at the game on 29 February.

New legislation may also allow officers to place banning orders on known trouble-makers.

'Genuine' fans

Detective Inspector Rob Donaghy said the vast majority of Middlesbrough fans are extremely well behaved, and he does not expect trouble even if they lose.

He said Cleveland Police will do everything they can to ensure genuine fans have a great day out.

"The dedicated football intelligence unit, that works for myself, is working closely with other clubs to make sure we are alert to the people who may be causing trouble," said Mr Donaghy.

"We will be there on the day to make sure the genuine fans, and the families, have a good day out.

"I'd like to think that this final, which is a big day - not just for the club - for the whole area, is remembered for the right reasons and not for the small minority of the hooligan element who might be intent on causing trouble."

Football fan's two-year ban - 18/02/2004

Source : BBC NEWS

A 39-year-old man who was trying to travel to Portugal has been arrested at Bristol International Airport.

Police say Paul John L***** from Lawrence Weston, Bristol, was trying to catch a flight to Faro to watch the England versus Portugal match.

He was identified by police "spotters" as having been involved in football violence in the past and was detained for questioning.

On Wednesday, magistrates gave him a two-year Football Banning Order.

The order prohibits Mr L***** from attending any football ground on match days in England and Wales.

He is also forbidden from leaving the country five days before any England game abroad.

Police intelligence

Currently 43 people in the Avon and Somerset area are covered by banning orders.

Insp Andy Parsons, who headed up the operation at Bristol Airport, said: "In the build up to England's fixture we have stepped up the operation at the airport with intelligence-led policing.

"We have spotters who can identify individuals we believe may be or have been involved in football-related violence.

"In this case the man had previously been involved in violence at England games in Slovakia and Germany and it was our intelligence on him which led to him being detained.

"We will continue to be vigilant in the build up to Euro 2004 in a bid to stop anybody who is trying to commit violence abroad coming through Bristol Airport.

"We will take all the necessary action to ensure these people are dealt with and, where appropriate, banning orders are put in place."

'Legal advice'

But Mr L***** says he was not travelling to Faro to attend the game between England and Portugal.

Mr L***** from Lawrence Weston, Bristol, says it was a coincidence that he was travelling the day before the friendly match.

He said previous convictions for football violence were in the past.

"I will be taking legal advice", Mr L***** told the BBC.

"Its my human right to travel and it was just a coincidence there was a football match on."

'Yobs' banned from football games - 26/02/2004

source : bbc news

Three men have been banned from international and home football matches after pleading guilty to hooliganism.

Chris W*******, of Sparrow Way, and Ben W***, of Cowley Road, both in Oxford, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and were given three-year bans.

Mark H*********, 31, of Calcot Close, Wood Farm, pleaded guilty to affray and was also banned for three years.

The men were charged following clashes between fans and police at an Oxford United match on 24 September, 2003.

The match against Reading saw a group of hooligans throwing missiles at police before kick-off.

One Reading fan and five Oxford United supporters were arrested, including W*******, 29, and W***, 26.

At half time, police officers had bottles thrown at them and were spat at.

CCTV footage reviewed after the match was found to have captured five people in the act.

'Clear message'

Their pictures were issued to the news media in an attempt to track them down.

That led to the arrest of Hardingham.

He was also given a £300 fine on Thursday while W******* and W*** were each fined £400.

Pc Simon Feist, Oxford's football liaison officer, said: "This sends a clear message to those individuals who think they have the authority to ruin other people's enjoyment of the traditional football match.

"It is a really good result for the club, for us and for genuine football fans everywhere who are sick and tired of having their reputation dragged into the gutter by yobs like these."

Football Video Violence Traded Online - 18/02/2004

source : reuters

A Sky News investigation has uncovered alarming evidence of the worldwide trade in videos of football violence.The videos are a concern for the authorities - who want to avoid clashes involving England fans in Portugal at Euro 2004 this summer.

One video depicts a fight between Aston Villa and Birmingham fans before the West Midlands derby last season.

The fight, according to police officers on the scene, was pre-arranged and not a coincidence.

The video of the clash is now being sold on the internet to hooligans who want to glory in the violence.


Detectives believe the bootleg copies are made from material they have to hand over to alleged hooligans before they appear in court.

Thirty-one people were convicted of a series of offences, many carrying jail terms, as a result of the punch-up between the Villa and Blues fans.

Psychologist Dr Glenn Wilson said watching football violence on screen will fuel the lust for more aggression in those intent on causing trouble.

Video nasties are not restricted to English hooligans.

Sky News contacted a man in Birmingham claiming to have fights from across Europe.

One pre-arranged battle took place in Russia.

The combatants filmed it themselves and it is also available for sale over the internet.

FC Utrecht - Ajax Amsterdam - 29/02/2004

Source: post

80 Ajax supporters were arrested before the game as they were intercepted by police at an attempt to enter the city of Utrecht. About 50 others managed to get away but could not regroup. The group had probably already been spotted by police helicopters before leaving their cars.

After the match Utrecht supporters fought running battles with (mounted) riot police. 21 Utrecht supporters were arrested.

Belgium riots between police forces and Marocco fans - 14/02/2004

Source : AP

Approx 300 Morocco supporters rioted with police forces in the Brussels city centre, after the defeat of their team in the final Africa's Cup.

Police forces made intervention after these fans caused damages at cars and shop windows. Not people were injured and no arrest were made at this time.

Nîmes - 14/02/2004

Source : forum

Saturday night, approx 20/25 Montpellier fans, armed with weapons made a raid on the Nîmes Gladiators group's pub (50km between both cities), where only 6 fans, including a girl were present.
Pub was totally damaged and many things were stolen.
Five people were injured.

RC Strasbourg - FC Sochaux - 21/02/2004

Source : forum

Approx 50 locals met up with the aim to attack rivals. As they never see their coaches, about 20 youths took the direction of the away stand but when they arrived they cannot reach visitors. Missiles were threw on both sides.
Police forces made an intervention.

OGC Nice - Marseille - 29/02/2004

Source : L'EQUIPE

Prior to the game, approx 50 local ultras tried to attack the Marseille players coach. Police forces made several charges to restore order, using teargas.

Nice fans said added they were + 200

Chernomore Varna - Botev Plovdiv - 28/02/2004

Source: France Football

At the end of the game, local ultras attacked a Plovdiv journalist, who was protected by Botev players and the coach, Trifon Patchev. Finally, this last one was injured after he was hit by a bottle.
As they heard what was happened, Botev ultras turned back to the stadium and a large riot took place and in the city-centre, opposing rival fans.

West Ham United - Cardiff City - 28/02/2004

Source: ITK - Cardiff view + local newspaper

despite the ticket/travel restrictions, we still had plenty of quality there today. fuck all before the game as we were bussed in and escorted to the ground. it was nice of the ob to give us all a ten minute warm up under the stand at h/t as they went baton crazy over some pushing at the snack bar. plenty of heads cracked in that little dust up. the 15/20 numpties away to our left worked themselves into a frenzy during the game. i bet millwall shit themselves when they seen them lot also, whats with them icf/st george flags. another line of carols icf merchandise?
after the game it was a different story. we could hear whu trying to get near us and our lot at the front were constantly trying to break the escort. so no bottle problems with either camp. once ccfc got onto the barking road that had 40+ coaches parked up, it was obvious that plod were stretched to breaking point. about 40 whu came at ccfc up a side street. ccfc steamed them, they stood for a short while but were on their toes. then for the next 45 minutes there was sporadic offs going on the length of barking road. the icf were in small groups looking for similar numbers of ccfc who were only too willing to oblige. some were quite nasty and without going into too much detail great fun was had by all. our lot were well pleased with the outcome of a few particular confrontations. no doubt others didn't do so well in their own little bits of fun. but the fact is ccfc keep turning up at these places and giving the locals a run for their money.
a good day in the east end for our lot on the whole. especially when you consider the absentees from our side that were put off by the travel restrictions. you missed out on some fun today lads
to those who say whu are a spent force, i wouldn't go that far personally. but they are certainly not the force they once was. no disrespect intended.

************************************************************

Supporters of West Ham United and Cardiff City clashed both in and round Upton Park this afternoon as the spectre of hooliganism rose its ugly head in East London once more this afternoon.

Factions of supporters from both sides engaged in violent skirmishes all around the ground this afternoon as Cardiff's notorious hooligan element came to East London for the first time in over 24 years.

Met Police forces - out in numbers to quell any signs of violence - were stretched to contain the fighting which took place at several points; most notably on the Barking Road, where battered bodies littered the high road and side streets after some particularly nasty confrontations after the match.

And the fighting continued to rage long into the day, with some episodes of violence still recorded up to 7pm tonight (Saturday).

Earlier in the day Police has tried to contain any possible trouble ahead of the game by 'locking' Hammers fans inside pubs.

Customers of the Earl of Wakefield on Katherine Road - for one - were held for over an hour before being released just half-an-hour before kick-off - but only after each and every person inside had their name, address and photograph taken by the Police.

However despite the best efforts of the Met they appeared simply outnumbered by the hooligans, who rampaged freely at points despite the continued Police presence.

Reports of injured being taken to hospital have just begun to filter through.


Cardiff mob

Lincoln City - Hull City - 28/02/2004

Source: BBC News

Football fans go on the rampage

Police say 74 football fans were arrested after rioting at a hotel in Lincoln.
The trouble broke out after the derby game between Hull and Lincoln City on Saturday, which none of the people involved, attended.

Riot police were called to the Barbican Hotel on St. Mary's Street after the crowd became violent.

No-one was injured during the incident and all of the fans have been released on police bail pending investigations.


I was terrified.

Anthony Matthews, Hotel owner

A force spokesman said the group threw bottles and officers .

The owner of the Barbican Hotel, Anthony Matthews told the BBC that the police had brought the supporters to the premises and asked his staff to let them in.

The fans then caused considerable damage to the hotel.

He then had to call the police to help him deal with the disturbance.

The area was sealed off and several arrests made.

Riot police were called to the scene and the area cordoned off, but the hotel was still considerably damaged.

Mr Matthews said: "I didn't know what to do.

"I was terrified.

"They broke everything, gambling machines, everything."

Officers took the fans who were all arrested for violent disorder, to Gainsborough and Lincoln police stations for questioning but they were later released on police bail.

Cagliari - Atalanta Bergamo - 27/02/2004

Source: Ad Maiora Media

Scuffles erutped in the Via Baylle, opposing ultras from both sides.

Lazio Roma - Milan AC - 29/02/2004

Source: Ansa

A Lazio fan, aged 23, was injured after he was attacked by Milan fans who used batons.
After the game, a Lazio fan was also arrested as he threw missiles at Milan fans.
Still concerning this game, it must be noticed than when train with Milan ultras entered the Bologna station, riots occured with AS Roma ultras, who were outnumbered. Some of them were injured.

Fight in the Netherlands - 27/02/2004

Source: Casuals Nederland

A small fight erutped between 8 Go Ahead Eagles lads and approx 20 Vitesse ones.
All Vitesse lads were arrested.

RC Lens - Lyon - 28/02/2004

Source : french forum

Riots occured, opposing 40 visitors (ultras and many youths) to locals (top lads, mainly aged, ex RCL North's Warriors, independents and Red Tigers).
At 7.30pm, Lyon escort arrived in front of locals. Missiles were exchanged but french CRS charged both sides.
Visitors were escorted back to their stand but locals charged the escort on the car park. French CRS made other charges; Lyon group splitted and a few lads had scuffles with locals.
Some lads were injured and a Lyon fan was transfered at hospital.

Spartak Moscow - Kristall Elektrostal - Hockey - 21/02/2004

Source: post

After hockey match "Spartak" Moscow vs "Kristall" Elektrostal' young Spartak hooligans about 30 hooligans (U.T.F.,Fabrika,Straiki anf others) went to the meeting place with CSKA hools.In the "Chistie Prudy" metro station was happened the fight,but on the side of army fans were not 30 lads, that was stipulated before the meeting,but ~ 45.This fact declared on the result of this incident:Spartak hools ran away from the fight and some were injured...

FC Schönberg 95 - Nulldrei - 22/04/2004

Source : filmstadtinferno website

Olympiakos fans riot in Crete - 23/02/2004

Source: Phantis

Angry of the Olympiakos Pireus soccer team rioted through the streets of Heraklion, Crete.

They were protested about not being allocated dedicated seating in the stadium where their team played and defeated the local soccer team, OFI.

Olympiakos supporters resorted to hooliganism, throwing rocks and wielding clubs against security staff, leaving some properties damaged.

Police resorted to using tear gas to bring the violent mob under control.

Damage was also done to the soccer stadium where the 1-0 match took place, with hundreds of seats ripped down from the fixtures and fires lit in the stands.

We will stop thugs at airport, vow police - 11/02/2004

Source: Daily Post

ENGLAND soccer hooligans are planning to use Liverpool as a way of getting to this summer's Euro 2004 football tournament, according to police intelligence.

It is believed they aim to take cheap flights to Spain and then travel across to Portugal.

But police are vowing to stop the thugs flying from Liverpool John Lennon airport with a special opera-tion this summer.

Officers have a list of known hooligans and will stop any who arrive at the terminal.

They will compile a file of information on the yobs' history of violent behaviour and quickly haul them before a court to secure a football banning order.

Merseyside football intelligence officer, Det Con Ian Miller, said: "All the planning for this has been done. It is a full operation and will be put in place ahead of the Euro 2004 tournament this summer."