Season 03/04 - December

Osasuna - Real Zaragoza - 13/12/2003

Source: post

Yesterday, after the match between Osasuna-Zaragoza, some incidents took place between local hools (Indar Gorri) and Zaragoza Ultras (Ligallo Fondo Norte).
The matches that had been played between Osasuna and Zaragoza had always generate clashes between supporters, mostly due to the different idologies of the groups (Indar Gorri are pro-vasque and Communist, and Ligallo Fondo Norte are mostly right-wing).

This match was played in Pamplona (Osasuna), 1 bus and 2 cars from Ligallo Fondo Norte went, and 1 bus from C´32 (Colectivo´32, another Ultras from Zaragoza, but less violent).
The radio said that the players of both teams couldn´t get out of the stadium until the police would had dissolve the riots in the streets.
Ligallo Fondo Norte has been also present this year in a hostile city, as it was San Sebastian (Real Sociedad).

Valencia CF - FC Sevilla - 21/12/2003

Source: post

Some incidents took place this weekend in Valencia, before the match between Valencia-Sevilla.

Some Ultras from Sevilla (Biris Norte) they separate themselves from the rest of Sevilla supporters that went to Valencia (and were under police custody), and Valencia ultras (Yomus) that were aware of Sevilla ultras detected them and a riot started.
As a mate told me, chairs, baseball sticks and chains were used by both groups in the confrontation. Valencia ultras were more, and so, they "won", although the police did separate both groups quite quickly.

Inside the stadium no incidents.

Police will meet over security - 06/12/2003

Source: THE GUARDIAN

Police from England, Wales and Northern Ireland are to hold their first meeting next week to discuss security arrangements for the World Cup qualifying matches.
Within minutes of the draw being made, officers from the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS), which monitors football hooliganism, were in contact with their counterparts in Wales and Northern Ireland and said they were confident that they would be able to put into place an effective security operation.

The NCIS said it already had extensive intelligence on hooligans in Wales and has been responsible for issuing large numbers of banning orders to known Welsh hooligans which would prevent them from attending the matches against England or Northern Ireland, home or away.

It also maintains that South Wales Police are experienced in dealing with security at football matches and organising high-profile security operations such as those in Cardiff for the FA Cup final and the Wales internationals.

An NCIS spokesman said: "One of the advantages of drawing Wales and Northern Ire land is that we are used to dealing with their police forces, we already share information with them and we already have extensive intelligence on their hooligans."

England's game in Northern Ireland could lead to a different set of security problems given the political situation and the right-wing, loyalist associations of a minority of England fans.

But the NCIS said: "The police in Belfast are probably more experienced in security matters than any other British police force and I think they will be able to deal with a large influx of England fans."

Redditch United - Bromsgrove Rovers - 27/12/2003

Source: ITK - BCC view

A relativly poor tunout for the BCC, that numbered around 10. Guests met at new street bolstered out experditionary force to around 25. We made our way to Redditch and got to the ground right on kick off. We made our way to the stands. No segregation was arranged but the Redditch dressers were all down the other end and you couldnt really get to them, not that we tried as they at least doubled our numbers. Later they started to come round the 2 sides and 'surround' us. This was looking a bit dodgy in my book, but from our point of view luckily the police came in force with dogs and CCTV vans etc. we left early due to the fact we were 4-0 down . we were all hungry and decided to go into the shopping centre for a bite to eat. in here we saw 6 of their 'lads' and were offered out by the BCC. they didnt want it and scattered. we then made our way to a pub called the Golden Cross. We were under constant surveilance from a number of police and one van. we decided to make a move and we noticed that in the back room there were 5 more redditch who had gone unnoticed. a bit of noise was made and we baited them out the pub but 20 on 5 i dont blame them for staying put. we went to a pub down the road called the railway and in here we clocked around 10 boys well clobbered up etc and it was obvious they were redditch boys (or villa and blues ). we left out of a side door and they made a few comments. we were by the door and we fronted them, calling them outside but again they stayed put! we eventually gave up as old bill were all over and no redditch seemed to want it and got on a train, not without the odd scuffle with the local wankers. then on the train we had a fucking shock...on of the wolves lads with us got a call of another wolves lad (G) who informed him he had saved him a beating at the game as he rang some of his blues mates from redditch telling them to leave the said wolves lads alone! so our fun was spoiled by the wolves boy doing his mates a 'favour'!!! Respect to the amount of boys redditch had out, but im just dissappointed that nothing really materialised after the ominous chant of 'we'll see you all outside'. Oh well, a good day on our part, in their town without any real resistance and the one 'confrontation' we came of better. our day i reckon, and barely a punch thrown! Regards and respect to the guests, you know who you are . Cheers.

Burnley FC - Sheffield United - 07/12/2003

Source: Lancashire Evening Telegraph

Soccer yobs turned back

From the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, first published Monday 8th Dec 2003.

A GROUP of 150 Sheffield football hooligans were turned back from Burnley after police launched the town's biggest ever swoop on soccer yobs.

The known troublemakers were intercepted at two pubs in Padiham and one in Burnley town centre just hours before the Clarets' clash with Sheffield United at Turf Moor on Saturday.

They were taken out of Lancashire in three coaches and three cars and it is understood they arrived back in Sheffield at 3.30pm. Officers said strong intelligence from hooligan-spotters in Sheffield police left them in no doubt that the 150, who were all men, had attended to create trouble and arrange fights with Burnley hooligans.

The men were searched for weapons and three were arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs, including what is believed to be crack cocaine.

A number are currently banned from attending football matches because of previous convictions of football-related violence.

Chief Inspector Richard Morgan, who oversaw the operation, said he was prepared for complaints about the action but added that his decision was based on a desire to prevent any trouble for genuine football fans and members of the public shopping in the town centre.

He said: "We made the decision to balance the rights of shoppers in Burnley and people wanting to go to watch the match against 150 known football hooligans. The decision was not to let them go to Burnley.

"It was known by the football spotters officers that these people were a known hooligan element of Sheffield United . They were here for one thing and one thing only, and that was to cause disorder."

Two coach-loads of known troublemakers were found at the White Horse pub and the Hand and Shuttle pub in Padiham.

Officers asked the landlords not to serve them and escorted them away on the bus.

The other coachload and 12 who had travelled in cars were found in the Walkabout pub in Hammerton Street, Burnley.

Burnley was rocked by the death of Nathan Shaw, late last year.

The 18-year-old Nottingham Forest fan was hit on the head with a bottle by Burnley supporter Andrew McNee, of Rossendale. McNee was jailed for seven years after pleading guilty to manslaughter earlier this year

Mr Morgan said he was determined to prevent another tragedy.

He said: "It is my view that the public and the genuine fan base of Sheffield United and Burnley have a right to expect that Burnley police will take appropriate action to protect their human rights and make a safe environment to enjoy the game.

"We suspect that there may be some complaint from some of these individuals but we are happy with our intelligence."

The swoop comes after a publicity campaign in the past week, as part of the anti-hooligan drive Operation Fixture in Sheffield, conducted by Mr Morgan and his colleagues to deter any known hooligans from trying to travel to Burnley.

This also included letters signed by Mr Morgan being sent to known hooligans telling them not to bother to travel to Burnley. But he said this advice had been ignored.

Mr Morgan said the troublemakers' decision to leave the M65 on the Hapton junction and go into Padiham was in his opinion an attempt to dodge the police which failed.

There were 11,452 supporters at the game, including 1,603 Sheffield United fans. Burnley won the game 3-2.

Matthew Bell, a Sheffield United fan who runs a supporters fanzine called 'Flashing Blade' and who attended the game, said: "We heard there was some police action involving both Yorkshire and Lancashire forces and that there had been three coaches turned away.

"I haven't heard of anything like this before. I don't know whether it is excessive, not knowing who the supporters were who were turned away.

"There is, as there is in any club, a section of supporters who still want to cause violence."

Burnley: Turf clampdown on soccer thugs - 24/12/2003

Source: Lancashire Evening Telegraph

POSTERS of convicted football thugs could be displayed around the stands at Turf Moor as part of a bid to stamp out hooliganism in Burnley.

The posters could form part of a new partnership between police and Burnley Football Club to ensure information and intelligence on trouble-makers is shared between them.

The agreement, formally signed yesterday by representatives from the police and the club, means police can for the first time hand over pictures of convicted hooligans to be displayed in the ground.

Organisers of the scheme hope the move will discourage people banned from the ground from trying to get in to matches and send out a positive message that hooliganism will not be tolerated.

The move follows the success of Operation Fixture, Burnley police's crackdown on football trouble-makers.

Insp Dave Shepherd said: "The idea behind the scheme is that the club and police can share information so that everyone knows who is banned from the ground. This will help us drive out hooliganism from football."

Alex Wood, safety officer at Turf Moor, added: "We are trying to present an improved image of football and to tackle those engaged in football related violence.

"One option could be to have pictures displayed in the ground of those banned so genuine fans and security staff can pick out those who are not supposed to be there."

Police say their clampdown on hooligans is now so successful it is being looked at by other forces across the country.

Senior officers from Nottinghamshire Police have visited Burnley and are considering introducing their own version of the Operation Fixture. Chief Insp Richard Morgan has already given a presentation to the National Criminal Intelligence Service on Operation Fixture and will give a talk later this month to the National Match Commanders conference in Berkshire.

Figures released earlier this year showed Burnley recorded the second highest number of arrests in the first division, behind Nottingham Forest, and officers said the rise was due to the success of Operation Fixture.

The total number of those arrested at league and cup games rose from 45 in the 2001-2002 season to 130 last season. The figures for last season include arrests for breaching of banning orders.

Burnley also came 9th out of all the clubs in the country, a table topped by Manchester United with 186 arrests.

Currently 48 people are banned from Turf Moor by magistrates and a total of around 200 banned altogether.

England: Soccer gang attacks train - 15/12/2003

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

TERRIFIED train passengers watched as more than 30 football thugs launched a vicious attack as their train pulled into Halifax station.
Yobs pelted the busy passenger train with bottles and bricks and smashed eight windows in the incident on Saturday at 8.30pm.

The attack caused extensive damage to the Arriva Trains Northern Manchester to York train, which was immediately taken out of service. A replacement was sent 30 minutes later to complete the journey.

A British Transport Police spokesman said no one was injured in the incident but the driver and conductor were left shaken by attack.

The group of supporters, believed to be Huddersfield Town fans, were waiting on the platform when the train pulled in. After the attack they fled before police could make any arrests.

"The train concerned was carrying a mixture of Bradford City supporters and shoppers all of whom were endangered by this serious and deliberate act.

"It is also believed that the attack was motivated by football rivalry," said police.

The British Transport Police are appealing to anyone who has any information about this incident to contact them on 0800 40 50 40.

The incident comes as rail companies launch a seasonal clampdown on festive thugs who cause trouble on the trains.

Arriva Trains Northern, GNER and British Transport Police have joined forces to make rail travel safer.

The message is being spread through a joint poster campaign at over 50 of the busiest train stations across the North of England, including Halifax, Brighouse and the Calder Valley.

Police seek match bans on more Pompey fans - 18/12/2003

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

DOZENS of Pompey football hooligans are to be taken to court to ban them from causing trouble at matches at home and abroad.
Police fear thugs who wreak havoc at Pompey matches could also travel to Portugal to get involved in violence at the 2004 European Championships Finals.

Now the city's football intelligence unit is compiling files on troublemakers in a bid to get magistrates to ban the yobs from going to grounds in Britain and abroad.

The far-reaching orders would see the fans barred from going within a mile of Fratton Park or any other stadium in the country where Portsmouth are playing.

And when England are playing, the yobs would be forced to hand in their passports and report to police stations on match days to stop them travelling abroad.

A total of 32 Pompey fans are already banned from attending any matches at which Portsmouth are playing and going to England games.

Officers in Portsmouth police's Football Intelligence Unit have drawn up a list of more than 100 troublemakers.

They believe at least half that number must be banned to stamp out hooliganism at Pompey fixtures.

Suspected thugs held before big match - 30/12/2003

Source: The Birmingham Post

Three suspected football hooligans were arrested by police during a series of dawn raids in Wolverhampton.

A total of 30 officers took part in the early morning swoops at three addresses in the city before Sunday's game between Wolves and Leeds at Molineux.

Three men, aged 17, 27 and 29, were arrested and charged with violent disorder. They were released on bail to appear before magistrates in Wolverhampton on January 5.

The operation, which was codenamed Citadel, followed violent disorder which broke out after the Wolves - Birmingham City match on Saturday November 8.

One of the men was also charged with possession of an offensive weapon.

Sunday's raids were accompanied by a high-visibility police presence to stamp out any potential flashpoints between rival supporters during the game.

Pc Clive Whitfield, Wolverhampton's football liaison officer, said the Leeds game had been highlighted as a potential problem fixture.

He said: "It was 19th against 20th in the league, and there were a few problem the last time the teams met in 1998."

"We had around 100 officers on the streets of the city to police the match. Officers were also on the look-out for known troublemakers."

Pc Whitfield said the operation was a success, with no trouble between the fans.

He said: "The majority of supporters behaved well."

Chief Superintendent Gary Cann, based at Bilston Street police station, said: "This operation followed an isolated incident of disorder following the Wolves - Birmingham City game where one supporter was set upon by a group of so-called Wolves fans."

He added: "West Midlands Police intends continue to clampdown on the minority of football fans who spoil the enjoyment of the game for the majority of peaceful fans who visit stadiums throughout the region. We will do everything we can to catch them and prosecute them. Nobody wants them in football, the clubs don't want them, the police don't want them and the genuine supporters don't want them."

Mexico : Pumas - Monterrey - 12/12/2004

Source : Corbis

Southampton - Charlton Athletic - 07/11/2003

Source : Press

Celtic hit for £3000 over fan - 15/12/2003

Source : Daily Record

CELTIC have been fined by UEFA just days after it was announced their supporters would be given the 2003 Fair Play award.

The Parkhead fans were rewarded for their excellent behaviour when around 80,000 made the journey to Seville for the UEFA Cup Final defeat by Porto.

European football's governing body were so impressed they nominated the Hoops faithful for the FIFA award.

However, just days later Celtic have been fined £3000 by UEFA after a fan ran on to the pitch during the 0-0 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich last month.

The supporter sprinted from a North Stand area on to the field midway through the second half before being caught by stewards.

The incident, which left the Celtic fans furious, was mentioned in reports from referee Rene Timmink and the UEFA match observer.

A UEFA spokesman said: ``Celtic have been fined after the incident by our control and disciplinary committee.''