Season 03/04 - December

Lazio Roma - Juventus Turin - 07/12/2003

Source: Rai

Prior to the game, a group of Juve fans was attacked. Eight of them were injured. Two of them by knives. One so seriously.

Riots inside a train in Italy - 07/12/2003

Source: Rai

Riots occured inside the intercity train Reggio Calabria-Milano, opposing ultras from Reggina and Napoli. Both sides were en route to the north. A Reggina fan was injured by a knife. Riots started near the Tiburtina station (Roma). A total of 120 Napoli ultras were arrested.

Telford - Brentford - Cup - 06/12/2003

Source: ITK - Independent view

I didn't fancy going on the voucher, coach, straight into the ground package, that was enforced on us yesterday at Stoke...
So I decided to go to Telford v Brentford instead.....I was in a pub right next to the ground, wich was full of Brentford fans. Brentford had around 25-30 lads there drinking for about 2 hours, also in there was a few not to discreet spotters from Telford. Most left there for the short walk to the ground, at 2.40pm, there was a rumour going around that a mob of Telford turned up at the pub at 2.55pm.I cant confirm that, as I was in the ground myself at that time, If that is true, I wondered why they left it so late,as there were no OB around, and they obviously knew they were there early.
When Brentford went 2 down, a couple of Brentford ran onto the pitch and headed straight for the Telford lads, but the stewards were quick to react, and only a few punches were thrown.
I gotta say that, Brentford made a game effort there, but Telford stayed in their stand, declining the offer to join them on the pitch.
The small group of Brentford lads gestured to Telford, that they were going outside with 5 mins left, but again, Telford stayed put.
When the rest of the Brentford supporters tried to leave at the end of the game, they were bombarded with rocks, bottles, and anything else Telford could find to throw at them. The police had to force the families back into the stand for their own protection....It made me wonder why they never went outside when the Brentford lads did, and instead chose to attack the easier targets.(families).
But the worse incident i saw, was when i made my way to the station. Five Brentford men who had small children with them, were confronted by around 30 Telford lads who were shouting "come on you Brentford cunts,lets have it", you are not serious said one of the men, we've got small kids here, fuck you and your kids they replied, and steamed into them, kids an all...That cowardly act, sickened me.
Telford, you dont earn anyones respect for that sort of behaviour.....There was 3 opportunities there for you to mix it with the Brentford mob, The pub, the pitch, and outside with 5 mins left.

Ex-footballer jailed for hooliganism - 01/12/2003

Source : BBC news

An ex-football player who was part of a mob of hooligans that ran riot in Cardiff after a football final has been jailed and banned from going to matches for six years.

Cardiff Crown Court heard how Chris S****, 35, who used to play for Bath City, was part of a hundred-strong crowd responsible for wrecking a pub in the city after Bristol City's victory over Carlisle in the LDV Vans final at the Millennium Stadium.

The court was told how S**** held open doors so missiles could be thrown at police as they surrounded the pub designated for Bristol fans.

Judge John Griffiths Williams QC said women and children were shaking in fear.

"There was widespread carnage," he said.

"About 60 fans in the pub set out to confront the door staff, then the police and then to trash the pub.

"The people of Cardiff are proud of the Millennium Stadium and are pleased to welcome supporters of all sports but they do not welcome the criminal element."

The court how S****, and fellow fan Anthony B*****, 19, were part of gang of fans in the Prince of Wales pub in the city.

Insurance clerk B***** was caught on CCTV cameras tipping over a wheelie bin full of bottles which were then thrown at an advancing riot police line.

Fans caused £26,500 worth of damage to the pub.

Prosecutor Keith Thomas said: "The Prince of Wales was a designated pub for Bristol City fans but after the game there was a serious outbreak of public disorder within the pub and it was effectively wrecked."

Mr Thomas added: "There were missiles being thrown and when S**** opened the doors these rained down on the officers. One bottle hit a police constable in the face.

"S**** was sprayed with CS gas but taunted police saying 'come on then'."

"When he was interviewed by detectives he admitted he had been taking the mick out of the police."

S**** from Stockwood in Bristol, admitted violent disorder and was jailed for eight months.

B***** from St Paul's in Bristol was found guilty of violent disorder.

He was sentenced to 18 months in a Young Offenders Institute and banned from going to football games for eight years.

Livorno - Catania - 07/12/2003

Source: Tifonet

During the game, about 200 Catania ultras threw missiles onto the pitch. Police forces made an intervention, using lacrymos.
At the end of the game, several local groups tried to attack visitors but police forces each time restored order.
As their were bvloked by cops inside the stadium, Catanita fans set on fire a small pub and damaged a car.

Chievo Verona - AS Roma - 07/12/2003

Source: Ansa

For this game, 1 Roma fan was arrested, 3 other controled as a group of 80 without tickets.

Ebolitana - Scafatese -07/12/2003

Source: Il Mattino

Many missiles were exchanged by rival fans during this derby. Police forces made several charges to restore order.
For this game, about 250 visitors made the trip .

Fidelis Andria - Brindisi - 07/12/2003

Source: Kataweb

Riots occured at the end of this derby. Police said 400 Andria fans went out of the stadium to attack their rivals. Carabinieri made several charges but recevied many bottles.

Hajduk Split - Dinamo Zagreb - 06/12/2003

Source: forums

At the end of the game, approx 20 BBB went onto the pitch with the aim to stolen Torcida flags. When police forces arrived, BBB ran back to their stand.
After the game, a local group (approx 30) attacked some BBB cars (approx 20 lads) who were not with the police escort. Their were attacked by batons, bricks, firecrackers...Seven Dinamo fans were injured, a car was burned and other damaged.
Police forces arrested 30 locals for this fight.
Prior to this, 5 Dinamo fans and 16 Hajduk fans were arrested.
************************************************************
Source: Zagreb post

When we enterd the pitch ,there where about 30 stewards,an 20 torcida members who ran away ...true we pulled back when police came...
After the game about 40 ,not 30 hajduk lads,attacked about 10-15 bbb,in three cars,an cought one car and burned the car...
its funny how that hajduk firm didnt see about 50 of our top lads in front of restoran ,and about 80 of our lads in front of gas station that is just beside the road??Maybe they shut their eyes?
Before the game about 20 of our lads attacked about the similar number of hajduk fans in front of stadion ,and they run away..true that wasnt their top lads but it counts..There were couple of ours fans also attacked but no top lads...

FC Bruges - Ajax Amsterdam - 09/12/2003

Source: post + belgian press + forums

During the Monday's night (10pm), a fight erutped near Gent, opposing 45/50 top BCF'ers (many of them + 30 years old) to approx 35/40 Ajax youths, with an advantage for visitors.
Finally, 22 Ajax lads and 5 locals were arrested.
For this game, police forces were affraid of riots and they were 400. Den Haag and Utrecht lads were also announced with locals.
It must be noticed than Ajax fans and lads commemorated a main lads who died some days before (7th December) called 'Para'.
***********************************************************
the fight in gent was 80 ajax youngsters against 20 boys of bruges, some wellknown and some guys who wanted 2 take there chance 2 prove themselves.
BCF ran off because they were outnumbered and the ajax lads were like always well equiped, baseballbats, chains, stiks and stones, always the same with the fucking dutch... one of the bruges lads was hospitalised with a broken skull...
this all happend at 00u30 when lots of the bruges lads were home because they all had 2 work... the day of the match no dutchman was seen in bruges, maybe because of the large police force in the city centre (600), 2 choppers, horses...
but it's no excuse i think because bruges went 2 the leidseplein in amsterdam and had a short but strong fight against the dutch...
conclusion, ajax is not what it used 2 be
***********************************************************
My friend... there were not 80 Ajax youngsters in Brugge. There were +- 40. A few Gent boys joined them.

Maybe you can't accept the fact that Bruges was beaten by a Dutch crew... AJAX.. of all crews. And youngsters as well!

If you want to talk weapons... fine. But there were very little weapons there. Besides, stones and sticks are just as normal in Belgium as they are anywhere. I've been in Liege... nothing but weapons there from our Belgian colleagues. So don't talk bullshit.

Last point... no Dutch police gave Bruges a hard time in reaching Amsterdam. Somehow it was hardly seen as a real risk match over here. So how you can compare these two events is way beyond me. And ajax would have showed up 200 handed (at least) if it weren't for the death of a main lad last weekend.

Stop making excuses.

(PS. Not heard anything about a skullfracture so far)

Besiktas - Chelsea FC - 09/12/2003

Source : AFP

Arrests, fireworks and knives cloud Besiktas clash

German police revealed that 26 supporters had been arrested after Besiktas' 2-0 Champions League defeat by Chelsea at the Arena Auf Schalke, with fireworks and knives also confiscated.

Security had been stepped up for the encounter with 500 stewards and 500 policemen on red alert and it was with some justification as the match was clouded by controversy on and off the field.

Police confirmed 186 fireworks and 12 knives had been confiscated before the match with 26 fans taken into custody while five supporters were injured, two seriously.

Damage in and around the stadium was also estimated at 45,000 euros.

On the pitch referee Anders Frisk was forced to delay the match by seven minutes after half-time as officials cleared up the multitude of toilet rolls launched by the "home" fans of Besiktas.

Chelsea players also complained of coins and other sharp objects being thrown in their direction and appealed to UEFA to take some action against Besiktas.

It is the second time inside a week that a German stadium has accommodated a Turkish team after matches were switched from Turkey following the bomb attacks in Istanbul last month.

Borussia Dortmund were left enraged after Galatasaray fans stormed the pitch and ripped hundreds of seats out at the Westfalen Stadium following their 2-0 Champions League win over Juventus.


UEFA charge Besiktas over Chelsea incidents

Source : AFP

European football's governing body UEFA said it would charge Besiktas for the missile-throwing by fans at their Champions League game with Chelsea at Gelsenkirchen.

UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body will examine the case at its next hearing on February 21.

German police revealed that 26 supporters were arrested after Besiktas' 2-0 defeat by Chelsea at the Arena Auf Schalke on Tuesday, with fireworks and knives also confiscated.

Police confirmed 186 fireworks and 12 knives had been confiscated before the match with 26 fans taken into custody while five supporters were injured, two seriously.

Damage in and around the stadium was estimated at 45,000 euros.

Referee Anders Frisk was forced to delay the match by seven minutes after half-time as officials cleared up a multitude of toilet rolls launched by the "home" fans of Besiktas.

Chelsea players also complained of coins and other sharp objects being thrown.

It was the second time inside a week a German stadium has accommodated a Turkish team after matches were switched from Turkey following the bomb attacks in Istanbul last month.

Borussia Dortmund were furious after Galatasaray fans stormed the pitch and ripped hundreds of seats out at their Westfalen Stadium following their 2-0 Champions League win over Juventus.

Fans jailed for match violence - 10/12/2003

Source : BBC NEWS

Fourteen football hooligans have been jailed for violence which marred a derby match.

The 14 men, aged between 22 and 39, were jailed at Luton Crown Court for between seven and 15 months for their part in the trouble before the Worthington Cup match between Watford and Luton Town last year.

They had all pleaded guilty to violent public disorder.

The jury heard rival supporters fought running battles on the pitch at Vicarage Road on 9 September 2002.

The violence erupted 10 minutes before the start of the first-round tie, and delayed the kick-off for 15 minutes.

Police eventually restored order by forcing the pitch invaders back into their seats and blocking off the area behind both goals.

Judge Seddon Cripps sentenced 10 Luton Town fans and four Watford fans.

Judge Cripps will impose football ground banning orders for all 14, at Luton Crown Court on Thursday.

Speaking after the hearing, Detective Superintendent Steve Read said: "I feel that the judicial system has sent out the right message to those who allow themselves to be involved in football violence.

"A lot of these people just allowed themselves to be caught up with the mob and found themselves in a violent and frightening situation.

"They all attended a football match and got involved in something.

"None of these people were teenagers and none of them had the excuse of poor social conditions.

"All have acknowledged that they did wrong. Now they have paid the price."

Jailed fans
Alfonso A****, 22, from Luton, seven months
James B*** 36, from Luton, eight months
Andrew C****, 38, from Luton, eight months, plus one month for breaching a conditional discharge
Dean E******, 22, of Luton, 15 months
Francis G*******, 36, of Luton, 11 months
Benjamin H*******, 24, of Luton, 11 months
Neil H****, 31, from Hitchin, nine months
Dean I***, 39, from Luton, 10 months
Brian J******, 32, from Luton, 13 months
James V****, 23, from Luton, nine months.
Brian C******, 23, from Watford, eight months
Graham D*********, 24, from Abbots Langley, 12 months
Vincent O'******, 39, from Watford, 12 months
Richard S*******, 42, from Watford, 13 months

Arrests after pub violence - 11/12/2003

Source : BBC NEWS

Four men have been arrested following clashes said to involve football supporters in Sheffield.

The men were arrested on Thursday at three separate addresses in Sheffield and one in Rotherham.

Officers are questioning them about allegations of football related disorder.

This follows a disturbance which is alleged to have involved Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United fans at the Yorkshire Grey pub in Charles Street at about 2245 GMT on Saturday 29 November.

Thursday's arrests were made after police viewed CCTV footage of the incident in which windows were smashed and 60 officers were needed to restore order.

United had been at home to Preston on that day while Wednesday had been in London to play Queens Park Rangers.

Two men arrested on the night of the disturbance were released on police bail.

Chelsea ask for tight security for Stuttgart - 12/12/2003

Source : Reüters

Chelsea, victims of crowd violence at Gelsenkirchen on Tuesday, have warned UEFA that they must ensure improved security is in place when they return to Germany for their Champions League match against VfB Stuttgart next February.

The big-spending London club's interim chief executive Paul Smith told Reuters that the premier league leaders were concerned by all that happened in their final group match against Besiktas and did not want a repeat of such scenes when they take on the Bundesliga leaders.

Chelsea met Besiktas in neutral Gelsenkirchen after the match was switched from Istanbul following a spate of bombings in Turkey which left 61 people dead. Gelsenkirchen was chosen because many Turks live in the area and were given the chance to see a Turkish team play.

However, they were unhappy at UEFA's decision to move the tie and rained down toilet rolls and other missiles at the start of the second half. There was so much debris, the re-start of the match was held up for six minutes while stewards cleared the area of missiles and paper.

UEFA have now started an inquiry citing Besiktas and Chelsea chairman Ken Bates has called for the Turkish club to be banned from European competition.

Taking a more conciliatory line, Smith said: "Stuttgart is one of the centres for local Turkish population so if they are interested in coming to see the team that knocked out Besiktas then, this time around, they need to learn to behave.

"Obviously, matches in Germany are extremely well arranged and their efficiency is legendary and we know the organisational elements of the trip will be perfect, but the only issue we are concerned about is that UEFA has a very strong control over the crowd in Stuttgart.

"We are very happy to return to Germany, but this issue about the crowd behaviour is very serious. There were some disgraceful scenes on Wednesday which were totally beyond the spirit of competitive football so UEFA needs to ensure there is maximum control at that game.

"I am sure there will be a lot of Turkish fans at that game, as well as German fans. We are not thinking beyond this. We will take each game as it comes and hope the security is dealt with as is appropriate."

Smith said he was mindful that the Champions League final is scheduled to be played in Gelsenkirchen next May and that Chelsea, if successful, could be visiting Germany again.

But, he said he had no desire to see the venue for the final questioned.

"In general, we have no problem in going back to Gelsenkirchen and we are not creating any pressure to have that match moved."

Celtic fans commended - 12/12/2003

Source: FIFA

FIFA have awarded the 2003 Fair Play Award to Celtic supporters for their conduct at the UEFA Cup final in May.

Over 80,000 fans descended on Seville for the game against Porto, which the Hoops eventually lost 3-2 in extra-time.

But, despite the loss, Celtic fans behaved well enough to earn the Fair Play award from both FIFA and UEFA this year.

Celtic executive director Peter Lawwell said: 'This award is a superb and fitting tribute to the friendly army of Celtic supporters who followed their heroes to Seville in the summer.

'The 80,000 fans lucky enough to be there created one of the world's greatest sporting spectacles and, personally speaking, it's one which will live in the memory for a lifetime.

'Thanks to their exploits across Europe in recent years, Celtic's travelling supporters have now become a by-word for good-natured sporting friendship and unswerving devotion to their team.'

Celtic security chief Ronnie Hawthorn added: 'As a club, we are absolutely delighted with that recognition.

'It is well deserved and Celtic fans have turned football into a carnival of sport, wherever they go, they travel very well.

'We are absolutely delighted and honoured to be collecting the award.'

Lawwell and Celtic Supporters Association general secretary, Eddie Toner, will pick up the award at the FIFA World Player of the Year ceremony in Basle, Switzerland, on December 15.

RSC Charleroi - Standard Liège - 12/12/2003

Source: forums

For this high-risks game, both sides were up for it but for the 1st year, no toe-to-toe erupted.
After the game, police forces arrested 52 Standard lads. Some weapons were found (baseball bats, bricks...).

FC Metz - Rennes - 13/12/2003

Source : AFP

Approx 20 Metz fans invaded the pitch at the end of the game. Players were still outside the pitch when these fans went on it.
So quickly they were stopped by local stewards who pushed them back into their stand.

Espanyol Barcelona - FC Barcelona - 13/12/2003

Source: As

Scuffles erupted inside the stadium, opposing locals (joined by 20 Ultras Sur from Real Madrid) to police forces.
Only 70/80 Boixos Nois made the trip.

Riots in Belgrade - 13/12/2003

Source: Europa Press + forums

A supporter was injured and 18 other arrested after riots who erutped in the city centre of Belgrade, opposing rival fans from Red Star and Partizan.
Other clashed erutped inside the stadium, opposing fans from Red Star and Sartid Smederovo.
**********************************************************
It seems the fight in the city centre erutped between Partizan fans and a section of Delije.
Inside the stadium, a fight occured between Delije fans.

More police for derby clash - 20/12/2003

Source : BBC NEWS

Violence after the last Southampton vs Portsmouth football game has led police to increase the number of officers at Sunday's premier league clash.

Hampshire police say more than 300 officers will be deployed to oversee the expected 32,000 fans at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium.

In addition, many pubs in Southampton city centre will not open before the match kicks off at 1230 GMT.

Sixteen fans were arrested after the Carling Cup game between the teams on 2 December amid violent scenes outside a number of city centre pubs.

Chief Superintendent Paul Stickler said: "It is an unfortunate fact, apparent from the last match, that a very small minority attend the game with the intention of causing trouble for others.

"The game itself will be attended by more than 32,000 fans young and old, including many families with children.

"We will have more than 300 officers on duty who will police the match fairly and robustly to ensure the day is not spoiled for anyone."

There will be fewer away fans at the game, as less tickets are available to travelling supporters than for the Carling Cup fixture.

FC Porto - Manchester United - ??/12/2003

Source: Yahoo


Riot Police keep a close eye on the Manchester United fans

Lille OSC - St Etienne - League Cup - 17/12/2003

Source : Le progrés

Four St Etienne fans were arrested at the entrance of the Lille stadium as they tried to enter the stadium with firecrackers.

Lyon - Paris SG - 19/12/2003

Source : AFP+mail

Nineteen PSG fans were arrested friday night. Thirteen of them, aged between 20 and 31 years old, were arrested prior to the game after riots occured near the stadium, close to a Lyon pub. Six others were arrested after the game, also for violences.

*************************************************************
Parisian view:

45 minutes before kick-off we arrived with approx 40 lads by the Debourg tube station, just behind the local lads pub (the Ninkasi). Close to the pub, we immediately charged and we recevied many missiles but we didn't care and continued our march on. SOme locals had to retreat and approx 25 others stayed in front of us for a fair fight. Some of them lied on the floor. Thirty meters far away another fight erutped with our advantage. Each time locals tried to come back but without success. Riots occured for 5 minutes before the police forces intervention. Finally, 13 Parisians and 6 Lyon lads were arrested.

Lyon lad view (udelyon):

As I was arrested I could tell you that all locals were released but that was not the case for Parisians. I think it will be hard time for them...ACAB!!!
Concerning riots, good fights erutped but I supposed you will thing I'm not honest but I think we took the advantage during all the party

Burnley BNP Councillor a Convicted Soccer Hooligan - 21/12/2003

Source: Twafa

Luke Smith, BNP councillor for Lanehead ward in Burnley, was convicted of using threatening words and behaviour outside a Burnley pub. His offence took place on the day the Burnley Clarets lost 2-0 to Manchester United in the Worthington Cup - December 3rd 2002.
Smith is reported to have pleaded guilty and was fined. A lifetime ban was imposed by Burnley football club at their Turf Moor football ground.
Smith failed to reveal his criminal past during his Burnley election campaign in May 2003.


Burnley Soccer Firm - Burnley Suicide Squad
Smith is not alone in maintaining a lifestyle of public disorder and BNP activism. Another local hooligan, a member of Burnley's soccer hooligan firm, the Burnley Suicide Squad, has recently been convicted of the killing of a 17 year old Nottingham Forest fan, Nathan Shaw.

Barely a week after Smith's offence, the killing took place outside the Yates Wine Lodge pub in Burnley. 19-year-old Andrew McNee and other Squad members were abusive to Nathan and his friends who were drinking inside. They left the pub and were followed by McNee who struck Nathan on the back of the head with a broken glass - a blow that lead to his death.

McNee was similarly subject to a lifelong ban by Burnley FC.

Rossendale Free Press: Football hooligan is jailed for fan death

The Suicide Squad, along with the BNP and other far right groups, were prominent in causing Burnley's race riots in 2002. They also made a bid to rampage through Asian areas of their home town following an England World Cup game in the summer of 2002.

Searchlight: Racism in football

Burnley BNP Councillors Condone Soccer Violence
In January 2003, Burnley BNP continued with a policy of condoning the behaviour of violent local activists, when their three local councillors failed to vote in favour of a motion of support for Burnley Football Club's policy of life-long bans for football hooligans.

This is Lancashire: BNP man defends racist soccer chants

BBC: BNP abstain in anti-racism vote


Elsewhere in the UK, soccer hooligans play an important role in BNP local campaigns, providing a useful supply of violent street activists.

Oldham people suffered racist violence from soccer thugs during their troubles in May 2001. Football hooligans "The Fine Young Casuals" from Oldham itself and then supporters from Stoke were drawn to these events and played a major part.

Searchlight: Racism in football

Burnley BNP Electoral Fraud
Burnley is a flagship local council for the BNP, who's local organiser, Steve Smith (Luke Smith's uncle), is a convicted electoral fraudster. The fraud was perpetrated in Burnley during the May elections in 2001, and involved six BNP council candidates. A number of local people denied having signed BNP candidate's nomination papers and the candidates were then excluded. Steve Smith was later sent to prison for three months for his involvement in the fraud.

Photo: BNP Burnley Organiser Steve Smith

Despite examples of their own criminal behaviour, the BNP in Burnley stress law and order issues. A leaflet states "Crime is out of control - Time for zero tolerance" and Luke Smith's May election leaflet demands action against 'anti-social elements on housing estates'.

The BNP electoral platform is also strongly anti-Moslem. Whipping up fears against aslyum seekers, their message encourages street thugs to prey on the vulnerability of local refugees and is blamed for an increase in local racially motivated attacks.

Burnley FC Continue fight against soccer thugs
Burnley Football club continues to step down hard on hooligan elements at football matches.

Cardiff City - Millwall FC - 20/12/2003

Source: South Wales Echo

CARDIFF City last night vowed to hunt down the fan responsible for throwing a coin at a linesman.
The incident, near the end of City's 3-1 home defeat against Millwall, marred a game which also saw three people arrested for public order offences related to the match.
Last night, police confirmed that they were investigating allegations that coins were thrown at match officials.
"Any fan found guilty of coin-throwing will be dealt with severely," said Cardiff City spokesman Neil Hughes.
The coin appeared to be thrown from the Bob Bank side of Ninian Park and appeared to be aimed at Millwall player-manager Dennis Wise.
But it struck the linesman on the back of the head.
Moments earlier Wise had incensed fans by clashing with Robert Earnshaw and then squaring up to Peter Thorne.
Bluebirds bosses will now study footage of the incident in a bid to identify the culprit.
Hughes warned that the guilty fan faces a lengthy ban from Ninian Park.
Meanwhile, FAW President Tecwyn Evans said the association will wait for referee David Pugh's report before deciding whether to take disciplinary action.
"We take the safety of officials, players and fans very seriously," he said.
If there is sufficient evidence City could be hauled before an FAW disciplinary panel and Evans warned: "There is no limit on the punishment available to the committee."