Season 05/06 - April

Police praise for football fans - 01/04/2006

Source : BBC NEWS

Police have praised fans at Saturday's football derby between Hull City and Leeds United after the match passed off peacefully with no arrests.

More than 300 officers were drafted in to deter unruly fans as 23,400 people gathered for the Coca Cola Championship match at the KC Stadium in Hull.

Ch Supt Sean White, Hull's police commander, said there had been no trouble at the stadium or in the city.

"I'm delighted with the result. I've got nothing but praise for the fans."

He added that it was unusual for such a high category match to pass off without incident.

Humberside Police had spent months planning the operation with neighbouring forces for the sell-out match which ended in a 1-0 victory for Hull City.

Kick-off was moved to noon to reduce the risk of problems and pubs in the city agreed not to open before the game.

Fans stay away as Red Star held by rivals Partizan-1/04/2006

Source:Reuters

Leaders Red Star Belgrade and bitter rivals Partizan drew 0-0 in an ill-tempered city derby that ended with tiers holding both sets of fans empty at the final whistle.
Partizan's faithful have been boycotting the club since their elimination from the Champions league third qualifying round in September while the bulk of Red Star's supporters walked out at halftime.
Red Star fans were unhappy with a security decision not to allow any banners in the stadium and kept their pre-match promise to leave in protest at the break.

Reading - Derby County - 01/04/2006

Source : AP


Reading's John Oster leaves the pitch as Reading fans celebrate winning the English League Championship after their soccer match against Derby County

England hooligans take the fly road - 31/03/2006

Source :The Scotsman

ENGLISH football hooligans planning to cause trouble at this summer's World Cup in Germany will try to slip into the country over its eastern border with Poland, the German intelligence service has discovered.

The Home Office says police forces in Scotland and other parts of Britain will be briefed to be alert for England fans trying to avoid spotters on duty at UK airports.

Numerous flights leave Scotland every day for Poland and the suspicion is that hooligans may try to fly from Edinburgh or Glasgow in the hope of avoiding detection. Irish police have also been alerted to look out for England fans.

The German intelligence agencies have been working hard to neutralise the hooligan threat, both from English and eastern European fans.

A source in one agency said they had discovered that English fans were hoping to enter Germany from Poland in the hope of avoiding detection. But the source said any hooligans hoping for an easy ride would be out of luck. "They are much mistaken. Because of the eastern European hooligans, this border will be pretty difficult to pass."

The Home Office said that it had already put in place numerous measures to prevent hooligans leaving the country, including banning orders against thousands of known troublemakers.

A spokesman said police officers at ports and airports around Britain, including Edinburgh and Glasgow, would be briefed on what to look out for.

But he said it was hoped that most of the known hooligans would be unable to travel because their passports will have been taken away and they will be expected to report to police stations in the UK on a daily basis during the tournament.

"Obviously it is a serious issue but the point of the orders is to stop known trouble-makers," he said.

The German interior minister, Wolfgang Schäuble, yesterday said the country was ready to tighten border controls during the World Cup to make life hard for potential troublemakers.

He said that Berlin would temporarily suspend the European Union's Schengen travel agreement to allow it to make checks at its border.

"They [checks] will be introduced as required by the situation and this will enable us to use this threat filter in an effective manner," he said.

Travellers in the Schengen zone of 15 European countries can normally move freely across borders without showing an identity card, but member states can suspend the accord and reintroduce controls at times of heightened security alert.

More than a million foreign fans will attend the 64 matches and an unknown number will travel to Germany even though they have no tickets for games.

Mr Schäuble said the problem of hooliganism in soccer was under much better control than in the past and he said any hooligans would have "major problems".

He said: "They won't enjoy their stay here. Those who want to cause disturbances should simply stay at home."

He also welcomed the backing from his British counterpart, Charles Clarke, who has spoken out in favour of the German authorities' plan to take a tough line on provocative behaviour such as displaying the Nazi swastika or giving the stiff-armed Hitler salute, actions that are illegal in Germany.

England: Police probe United racism claim - 02/04/2006

Source: TeamTalk

The match referee and officers investigated a complaint made by two Bolton fans against the United player after the match at the Reebok Stadium.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said the investigation concluded no crime had been committed.
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"During the Bolton Wanderers versus Manchester United game at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday April 1, a complaint was made by two Bolton Wanderers supporters of racist comments made by one player towards another," he said.

"An immediate investigation was commenced involving the referee which concluded that no crime had been committed.

"The matter is now closed."

It is understood police spoke to the players involved in the alleged incident after the game finished.

The players have not been identified and neither club wished to comment.

The match was refereed by Alan Wiley and finished 2-1 to United.

Last month, Liverpool defender Steve Finnan was cleared of allegations he made racist comments towards United's black defender Patrice Evra.

Two deaf fans accused the player of making racist comments after reading his lips on television while watching the game.

FA protest at referee abuse - 01/04/2006

Source: AFP

The Football Association (FA) has confirmed they have complained to European soccer governing body UEFA about the treatment of referee Mike Riley when he interrupted a UEFA Cup quarter-final to try to quell racist abuse.

Riley was called "a British homosexual" by Levski Sofia club president Todor Batkov after he stopped their home tie against Schalke when the German side's striker Gerald Asamoah was targeted by racist chants from the crowd.

The Leeds referee informed the fourth official who arranged for a message to be broadcast over the loudspeaker system calling for an end to the racist abuse. He also informed Asamoah he would report the chanting to UEFA.

Schalke won Thursday's first leg 3-1 in the Bulgarian capital and after the match Batkov launched a scathing attack on Riley, saying: "This British homosexual broke the game."

The FA's head of refereeing Neale Barry said: "Mike is to be thoroughly applauded for his actions in informing UEFA and club officials that he had encountered totally unacceptable racist abuse being aimed at Gerald Asamoah.

"At the beginning of each season, officials are directed to do exactly as Mike did should they encounter similar situations in this country.

"By notifying club officials, the club are then asked to put an announcement out over the public address system, and should such chanting not cease, he would then report this to the FA.

"Mike is one of this country's top officials, hence his appointment by UEFA for such a prestigious quarter-final tie, and the subsequent comments by the Levski Sofia president have also been reported today (Saturday) by myself to UEFA, as they are deeply offensive."
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Source: TeamTalk

Riley was called "a British homosexual" by Levski Sofia club president after he stopped their UEFA Cup quarter final tie against Schalke when the German side's striker Gerald Asamoah was targeted by racist chants from the crowd.

The Leeds referee informed the fourth official who arranged for a message to be broadcast over the loudspeaker system calling for an end to the racist abuse.
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He also subsequently informed Asamoah he would report the chanting to UEFA.

Schalke won Thursday's first leg 3-1 in the Bulgarian capital and after the match Batkov launched a scathing attack on Riley, saying: "This British homosexual broke the game."

The FA's head of refereeing Neale Barry said: "Mike is to be thoroughly applauded for his actions in informing UEFA and club officials that he had encountered totally unacceptable racist abuse being aimed at Gerald Asamoah.

"At the beginning of each season, officials are directed to do exactly as Mike did should they encounter similar situations in this country.

"By notifying club officials, the club are then asked to put an announcement out over the public address system, and should such chanting not cease, he would then report this to the FA.

"Mike is one of this country's top officials, hence his appointment by UEFA for such a prestigious quarter-final tie, and the subsequent comments by the Levski Sofia president have also been reported today by myself to UEFA, as they are deeply offensive."

FC Barcelona - Real Madrid - 01/04/2006

Source : AP

Le car du Real attaqué

Des supporters du Barça ont attaqué le car des joueurs du Real juste avant la rencontre.
Des briques et bouteilles ont été lancées en direction du car.

Bologna - Cesena - 01/04/2006

Source : ANSA

Six Cesena supporters were arrested after they attacked locals near the stadium. Four policemen were also injured during these events.

Slask Wroclaw - Widzew Lodz - 01/04/2006

Source: forum

Cup trouble fears force pub closures - 01/04/2006

Source : Edinburgh Evening

SOME city centre pubs are to close early tomorrow amid fears of trouble when fans return from the crunch Scottish Cup semi-final.

Pubs on Rose Street, as well as many at Easter Road, have opted to avoid any possible trouble and simply shut up shop before the crowds get back from Glasgow.

And other pubs in the Grassmarket and George Street have hired extra security to ensure the troublemakers are kept away from their bars.

It comes as Hibs and Hearts fans were warned to leave plenty of time to travel to the game as an estimated 40,000 fans head west.

The majority of fans are heading to the game by road and traffic on the M8 is expected to be very heavy with the approaches to Hampden Park also expected to clog up quickly.

Police chiefs in Glasgow also today warned a bylaw prohibiting the drinking of alcohol in public places will be strictly enforced around the stadium.

In Edinburgh, many pubs have admitted they are not sure what to expect, with some hopeful that the fans will all come back in the mood for a good-natured celebration - whatever the score.

The police have already said they will be out in numbers to deal with the fans going to and coming from Hampden.

Breck's on Rose Street is one of a handful pubs, including the Rose Street Brewery, closing at 5pm on Sunday to avoid any potential flashpoints.

Brecks assistant manager Will Drummond said: "We are closing because we have heard a lot of bad reports from previous derby games.

"Some people say there will be no sign of trouble at all but generally there is a feeling amongst the pub owners here that it might not be worth the risk of opening up."

Daniel Bee, manager of Bar 38 on George Street, said: "We will have extra security on the door. We are not expecting to get huge crowds along here as we are not really a football pub, but it is a precaution we felt we should take."

Others in the area are not so concerned, however, and Alan McKellar, duty manager of Dirty Dicks pub in Rose Street, said: "We don't allow football colours in so that can stop a lot of the troublemakers.

"There will be a massive police presence around Rose Street so we are not concerned about crowd trouble."

And despite several bars on Easter Road closing their doors after concerns about football violence, the Iona Bar was staying open and expected to have big day as a result.

Staff member Karen McDougall said: "We will be open all day and I certainly hope it is a good crowd, and a good score. We're not expecting to get any trouble, we always have football crowds in and it's normally fine."

Around 3000 fans will make the trip by rail, including four football specials, and hundreds of fans are staying over in Glasgow ahead of tomorrow's 12.15pm kick-off.

Both sets of fans travelling by road have been allocated different parts of the area around Hampden to park in.

But Hearts fans will be hit by delays in the Shawlands area of Glasgow because of road closures.

Minard Road is closed because of work to a railway bridge and a diversion route is in place but police are warning that delays may occur.

Neil Greig, head of policy with the AA, said: "Our advice to supporters travelling by road would be give yourselves plenty of time to get through to Glasgow.

"There are no major roadworks between Edinburgh and Glasgow so travel along the M8 should be fine but it is never predictable.

"The extra trains are a welcome measure and fans should make use of them if they can.

"Parking at Hampden can be difficult at the best of times so make sure enough time is allowed for that as well."

Police chiefs in Edinburgh are also warning the Capital's roads are likely to be congested with fans travelling to and from the big match.

A spokesman said: "We anticipate that there will be thousands of vehicles, such as cars and coaches, leaving Edinburgh from around 8am on Sunday morning.

"Traffic will be heavier than expected for a Sunday morning and we anticipate a similar problem in the afternoon from around 3pm onwards as fans return to the Capital.

"There will be heavy congestion on the approach roads to the west of the city, particularly the M8, and we would advise people to remain patient if they get stuck in any queues.

"There will be a heavy police presence in the city centre on Sunday to ensure that people can go about their normal Sunday business as usual."

Experts on the city's football casuals from the Lothian and Borders force are liaising with Strathclyde Police to ensure any troublemakers are picked out when they get to Glasgow. And Chief Superintendent Robin Howe, the senior officer in charge of the derby clash, has warned fans that drinking bylaws and a ban on booze on buses and trains will be strictly enforced.

He said: "It is an exciting time for the fans and my priority is their safety, that of the public and to make sure everyone gets to the ground to enjoy the match and then get home safely.

"Hearts fans travelling to the city by special football train from Slateford will arrive at Central Station, from there, in order to ensure a smooth transition, fans will be ushered immediately on to another train to Mount Florida. The vast majority of people attending football matches do so to enjoy themselves.

"However, be assured that anyone intent on causing disorder will be dealt with.

"I would also remind everyone that there are bylaws in place prohibiting the drinking of alcohol in public places and that alcohol and controlled containers of any kind - cans or bottles - are not allowed in the stadium."

The four "specials" trains hired to shuttle 1700 supporters to the match are virtually sold out.

Only three regular services, which will accommodate around 1500 fans, are due to leave Waverley Station during the morning for Glasgow.

Train tickets will be allocated on a "first-come-first-served" basis and additional supporters will be turned away.

Supporters will be asked to queue up for train tickets which are to be allocated on the morning of the tie.

A spokesman for First ScotRail urged fans to turn up early for the scheduled services.

He said: "We would advise people to get to the station early to avoid disappointment because tickets will be issued on a first-come-first-served basis.

"It would also be sensible for supporters and members of the public to make alternative arrangements in case they do not get on to the trains going to Glasgow."

Drwęca Nowe Miasto Lubawskie - Jagiellonia Białystok - 01/04/2006

Source: Jagiellonia website

Fiorentina - AS Roma - 02/04/2006

Source: Ansa

Tension before the game. A Roma fan was transfered at hospital after he was injured at his head.
Four local ultras were also arrested after they attacked 2 Roma cars.




Roma mob

Hibernian - Heart of Midlothian -Scottish FA Cup - 02/04/2006

Source : BBC NEWS

Police make arrests at cup match

Police made 19 arrests for minor offences following Sunday afternoon's Scottish Cup semi-final match at Hampden between Hearts and Hibs.

The charges include nine breaches of the peace, one sectarian breach of the peace, eight minor cases of disorderly behaviour and one minor drugs offence.

Police said that in general both sets of fans added to the occasion.

Those arrested were expected to appear in court on Monday. Hearts won the match 4-0.

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Firefighter 'attacked' at blaze

A firefighter was treated for head injuries after an alleged assault while tackling a blaze in Glasgow.

Emergency services attended a report of a fire in Kaim Drive, Pollok, at about 2200 BST on Friday.

Firefighters put out the blaze, which turned out to be a rubbish bin that had been set alight.

Police said a 17-year-old man was arrested and detained following the attack on a 38-year-old fire-fighter. He is expected in court on Monday.

FC St. Pauli - Chemnitzer FC - 01/04/2006

Source : Spiegel Online + AP

Fans attack police at German second-division match

Police were attacked and patrol cars damaged in violence after a match in Germany's second division on Saturday.
Police said fans of FC St. Pauli attacked officers and broke windows on patrol cars, flinging bottles and cans as 400 supporters of Chemnitzer FC were escorted to safety in a bus.
Tempers flared when Chemnitz supporters set off a smoke bomb that delayed the match by five minutes.
Police detained the Chemnitz fans in the stadium after the final whistle because St. Pauli fans gathered on a nearby street.
It was not immediately clear whether any arrests had been made.









Video (inside the stadium)
http://rapidshare.de/files/17016877..._video.zip.html

Real Sociedad - Malaga CF - 01/04/2006

Source: forum

Police forces charged on Pena Mujika members as they showed a banner against someone.

Walhain - UR Namur - 02/04/2006

Source: belgian press

Third division belgian derby where visitors caused a few troubles.

Odra Opole - Rakow Czestochowa - 02/04/2006

Source: polish websites

Atlético de Madrid - Celta de Vigo - 02/04/2006

Source : EFE + Getty Images

A few troubles took place on the main local terrace. Police forces made a few arrests.

FC Schaffhausen - FC Zürich - 02/04/2006

Source : 20minuten

Erzgebirge Aue - Dynamo Dresden - 02/04/2006

Source : ud-2000 website

Inter Milan fined 25,000 euros for fans' racism - 04/04/2006

Source : REÜTERS

Inter Milan have been fined 25,000 euros ($30,470) after their fans targeted Messina's African defender Marc Zoro with racist abuse during Saturday's Serie A match.
Ivory Coast-born Zoro, who threatened to walk off the field after suffering taunts from Inter Milan fans earlier this season, was the target of whistles and jeers again when the two teams met in Milan on Saturday.

Inter's hardcore ultras also displayed a racist banner at the game which Inter won 3-0.

The Italian Football League's disciplinary commission said on Tuesday the scale of their punishment reflected the fact that a large number of Inter fans vocally objected to the racism.

Zoro's treatment by Inter fans in the game at Messina on November 27 prompted a nationwide debate on racism in Italian soccer and led to a day of anti-racist demonstrations at stadiums across the country.

SAINTS BAN SINNERS - 04/04/2006

Source : The Daily Record

FOOTBALL club chiefs have banned 22 hooligans involved in a brawl. The St Johnstone fans were arrested after clashing with Hearts fans in Inverness.

Hearts were in town for an SPL match on March 11, while the First Division side took on Ross County in nearby Dingwall.

Police charged the men with breach of the peace and passed on their names to the Perth club.

They have been sent official letters which state: "You are banned from McDiarmid Park for the foreseeable future."

Club Chairman, Geoff Brown, said: "This sort of thing brings the club into disrepute and decisive action was necessary."

Lokomotiv Plovdiv fan jailed for hooliganism-5/04/2006

Source:Reuters

Lokomotiv Plovdiv fan has been jailed for one year for attacking police before a league match against CSKA Sofia last month, court officials said on Wednesday.
It is the first time a fan has been jailed for soccer hooliganism in Bulgaria.
"Beloslav Hristev hit the policeman on the chest with a stone after the officer tried to stop a group of Lokomotiv fans attacking CSKA travelling supporters," said Plovdiv police colonel Todor Grebenarov.
Fifteen Botev Plovdiv fans were fined and handed a two-year ban from grounds for their part in a fight with Beroe Stara Zagora supporters on March 11.

Five arrested in hooligan raids - 05/04/2006

Source : BBC NEWS

Five people have been arrested in raids following a police crackdown against suspected football hooligans.

Lancashire Police also seek seven other suspects after an investigation into violence surrounding the Blackpool v Nottingham Forest match in February.

Several outbreaks of violence took place in pubs and clubs before and after the game.

Computer equipment was also seized in the raids at homes in parts of Blackpool on Wednesday.

Raids' warning

Insp Keith Ogle said the raids were a warning to potential troublemakers.

But he added: "The vast majority of fans behave impeccably and have a good relationship with the police.

"It is very rare we see trouble on this scale."

Computer equipment was also seized in the raids.

Fans' clash

Up to 200 fans clashed at the Castle pub on Central Drive prior to the match on 4 February with fighting spilling out onto the street.

More fights broke out at the Swift Hound pub in Rigby Road after the game with other violence at pubs and clubs in the evening.

Just over a week later there was trouble near Blackpool's Bloomfield Road ground when a brick was thrown at a bus taking Huddersfield Town fans home from a match.

The club recently imposed exclusion orders on two fans.

Swans pair arrested over insults - 05/04/2006

Source : BBC NEWS

Swansea's Lee Trundle and Alan Tate were arrested by police on Wednesday for taunting Cardiff City after Sunday's Football League Trophy win.

A South Wales Police statement to the Press Association said that both men had been bailed until the end of April.

The statement read: "South Wales Police have arrested a 23-year-old man and a 29-year-old man on suspicion of section four public order offences."

The two players will also face FA of Wales disciplinary action.

A statement issued by the FAW said that "charges will be issued", although whether this will involve a playing ban or a fine remains to be seen.

FAW secretary general David Collins said that Swansea City have 10 days to respond to the charges levelled against Trundle and Tate, which gives them until 15 April.

South Wales Police have yet to officially charge either of the two players following a flood of complaints.

Trundle, captain Roberto Martinez and Tate brandished a flag bearing graphic insults aimed at Cardiff.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has apologised for the players' actions but the FAW has decided to take a firm stance.

"The images paraded by Swansea City players were of an extremely offensive and insulting nature," said the FAW.

"Such behaviour is totally unacceptable."

Trundle, 29, struck a spectacular opening goal in the 2-1 win over Carlisle at the Millennium Stadium.

But he and his team-mates were photographed brandishing insults towards Cardiff City during the post-match celebrations at the Millennium Stadium.

Trundle, who also wore a T-shirt which had a cartoon of a man urinating on a Cardiff shirt, has refused to comment on his actions.

Swansea chairman Jenkins said Trundle's actions were inexcusable and believed it "could be something that Lee lives to regret".

The 29-year-old striker and Tate met the club solicitor on Tuesday to prepare statements which were then made available to the police.

A statement on the club's official website said both players wished to apologise to those offended by their actions and stressed there was "no malice intended".

But Jenkins added: "It's certainly something I can't defend. We regret any offence that occurred.

"Maybe it was a heat-of-the-moment thing. Lee will probably wish that this hadn't happened. I just hope that it doesn't cause any animosity between the two sets of fans.

"I'll be taking this seriously, we'll have to deal with it."

The Football League also condemned the actions of the Swansea players.

"We absolutely deplore these actions," said Football League head of communications John Nagle.

"One would hope that it was just over-exuberance on the part of the players after winning the Football League Trophy. However, that is still little excuse.

"League clubs are working hard to encourage more families and more young supporters to matches and it is important that players recognise their wider responsibility to the game when they are in these situations."