Season 05/06 - January

Wrexham fc - Grimsby Town - 01/01/2006

Source : icNorthWales

Club fury at yob's punch on keeper

WREXHAM FC bosses yesterday blasted hooligans who invaded the Racecourse pitch and punched the Grimsby Town goalkeeper.

Several yobs ran on to the pitch after the full time whistle blew on Saturday's controversial 2-1 defeat for the Dragons.

Eyewitnesses said a punch was thrown by one youth which caught Grimsby keeper Steve Mildenhall on the ear.

Stewards grabbed the young yobs and later handed them over to police officers. Last night police said there were no arrests following the fracas.

Club bosses said they would not condone hooligan acts and insisted Wrexham fans were well behaved. Safety measures will be reviewed, and the hooligans, if traced, could be banned from Wrexham fixtures.

PSG - Sochaux - 04/01/2006

Source : LE PARISIEN

For another time, PSG fans fought together.
Before the game, near the Auteuil stand, a group of Karsud, joined by independents lads fought with Tigris Mystic members.
French CRS made an intervention to restore order.

Heysel stadium facing closure amid safety fears - 06/01/2005

Source: Reuters

Belgium's King Boudewijn Stadium, site of the 1985 Heysel disaster, is facing possible closure after the football association were fined by the government on Friday over safety standards at the venue.

The Belgian interior ministry issued a fine of 5,000 euros ($6,000) and has given the FA until May 1 to meet their requirements or the stadium will be shut.

"The size of the fine is not important, what is more important is that this is taken seriously," a government spokesman told Reuters.

However, the FA moved quickly to allay any fears.

"Fans have nothing to fear," FA spokesman Guido De Windt said.

"We have problems and we will have to deal with these problems."

According to the report, the stadium has insufficient fire exits which are also too narrow, many seats are loose and the steps to the main stand are not wide enough.

Inspectors also found a number of fire and electric problems including damaged fire doors and the storage of petroleum under the stands.

"We intend to put together a plan when we have fully investigated the report," Nico De Peacock, the FA's head of safety and security, said.

However, it may not be so straightforward. The stadium is owned by the City of Brussels with the FA responsible for safety.

"We are in discussions with the local authorities in a bid to find out just who is actually responsible and who should pay the fine," De Windt said.

The former Heysel stadium was the scene of rioting by fans at the European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus in May 1985 when 39 people, most of them Italian, died. Most of the victims were either crushed or trampled on when a wall collapsed under the pressure of rioting fans.

The game eventually went ahead with the Italian club winning 1-0.

Originally built in 1930, the stadium was later rebuilt and renamed for the European Championship in 2000.

At the beginning of 2005, the 50,000-seater stadium was reduced from a five-star to four-star venue by UEFA.

Torquay United - Birmingham City - Cup - 07/01/2006

Source: forum

Different infos about this cup game.

Some say locals had about 200 lads waiting for a Zulus firm.
When the game started some of them stayed drinking outside the stadium and had it with a few Zulus.

Others say punches were exchanged at the end of the game, between both sides.

In fact, it seems, many Zulus were at the game Stoke-Tamworth.

Arsenal FC - Cardiff City - Cup - 07/01/2006

Source: As + SPORTING LIFE + icWales

About 7000 Cardiff fans made the trip to north London.

During the game one of them invaded the pitch with the aim to attack the local goalkeeper, Almenia.

The fan was stopped by stewards.
*************************************************************
FAN ATTACKS ARSENAL KEEPER

Arsene Wenger expressed his concern after a spectator ran onto the Highbury pitch and confronted Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia during his side's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Cardiff before shoving the Spaniard in the chest.

Almunia did not react to the provocation, while there were also reports of a missile being thrown towards the Arsenal keeper from the area behind his goal, containing some 7,000 Cardiff fans.

The Football Association are likely to consider whether to launch an inquiry and Wenger declared: "You don't like to see that. The guy ran onto the pitch, but what can you do to stop them?

"We had that once at Manchester City when a naked girl ran onto the pitch and I must say it was much more attractive!

"But, of course, I feel they have to ban that as they could interrupt the game every five minutes."

Cardiff boss Dave Jones played down the incident, claiming there "a lot more positive things than one fan running onto the pitch" as he insisted: "The fans were absolutely magnificent."
*************************************************************
City fans arrested

A CARDIFF City fan was arrested yesterday after clashing at Highbury with Arsenal's goalkeeper.

Witnesses claimed the man tried to grab the ball off Manuel Almunia during the FA Cup third round tie, which the Bluebirds lost 2-1.

Last night, Cardiff City captain Darren Purse said: "The man probably wanted to get himself on the telly. The majority of our 6,500 travelling supporters were marvellous."

Another fan was arrested on suspicion of throwing a missile and aggravated bodily harm.

Foggia - Juve Stabia - 08/01/2006

Source: Ansa

Three policemen were injured during troubles who occured outside the stadium before the game. Everything started when a local ultra group tried to enter the visitor terrace. Police forces made an intervention with the aim to avoir any contact between both sides but local ultras threw missiles at them.

Vermelles - Paris SG - Cup (played in Lens) - 07/01/2006

Source : LE PARISIEN + Mail

Tigris coach attacked

That's not the end between hatred opposing both PSG fans groups.
At 3pm as their coach was stopped on its way to the stadium, Tigris Mystic members saw other PSG fans (Boulogne Boys, Karsud and a few independents) attacking them. A window was smashed up and flags were stolen.
Prior to the game, some fans tried to attack Tigris Mystic but security forces avoid any other troubles.

*************************************************************
When the Tigris coach arrived in Lens, they were immediately assaulted by 30/40 independents (from Boulogne + Karsud members from Auteuil). Flags were stolen without any Tigris intervention.





PSG lads

No game between Belgians and Dutch - 05/01/2006

Source: lierse.be

The Maastricht Mayor didn't authorized the game MVV-Lierse for security reasons.

Albacete - Hercules Alicante - 08/01/2006

Source: forum

During the game, troubles erupted, opposing police forces to about 40 Alicante ultras (30 from Herculigans and 10 from Las Banderas).
These last ones also taken a banner from Elche ultras who joined their friends from Albacete.

Troubles with police forces



The stolen banner

Fans face penalty prices at World Cup hotels - 10/01/2006

Source : Reüters

Looking for a cheap room in Germany during the soccer World Cup? Think again.
Organisers of the month-long tournament and the German tourist industry had promised reasonable rates but fans looking for affordable accommodation now are likely to be disappointed.
Costa Rican supporters wanting to watch their side open the tournament against hosts Germany in Munich on June 9 are among the most unlucky.
Staying at one of the city's top hotels would set you back 1,294 euros ($1,565) per night over the weekend from June 9. The same double room costs just 167 euros next month.
Even a more modest four-star establishment is charging an overnight rate of 281 euros compared with 59 euros for the room in mid-February or mid-August.
Despite the price hikes, many hotels are already full.
Germany is expecting some one million foreigners to flood in while the football lasts. England is likely to send the largest contingent, with 100,000 people expected to head to Germany.
Its Football Supporters' Federation (FSF) is already concerned about "price gouging" and has met officials from Frankfurt, Nuremberg and Cologne, where England play their opening matches, to discuss campsite availability and emergency accommodation.

HIGHER LEVELS

Kevin Miles, FSF's international coordinator, said a lot of hotels appeared to have raised overnight rates to the higher levels they charge when a trade fair is in town. The increase can be as much as five-fold.
"Sadly, there's a certain inevitability," he said. "The Germans have a word for it, 'Kapitalismus'. Other countries do it too. It's a factor of supply and demand."
World Cup organisers argue that they have reached deals with large chains and privately-run hotels to charge only the standard, not the trade-fair, rate.
More than 500 hotels have signed up, offering 50,000 rooms.
"These are great rates, not for example what you'd be paying in Munich during the Oktoberfest or an international fair," a spokeswoman said.
Nevertheless, a search for a twin room for the weekend of Germany's opener in Munich found only one hotel in Augsburg, 60 kilometres (37 miles) from the stadium, and one in Munich city centre, for a minimum five-night stay at a total of 2,175 euros.
The spokeswoman said more offers were likely to emerge and hotels might not require minimum stays as block bookings became clearer.
Miles said many English fans at Euro 2004 in Portugal had taken advantage of reasonably priced package tours to the southern Algarve coast and just headed up north for matches.
For the German tournament low-cost carriers and charter flights will bring in fans just for the day or for a single night at most.
"You will find that fans can be creative," Miles said. "I've heard from some who are planning to stay in Amsterdam for the match in Cologne. It's not that far away."

BIG SCREEN
For the Dutch themselves that is not an option.
Although the Netherlands borders Germany in the north, Leipzig, Stuttgart and Frankfurt, where the Dutch team play their group matches, are many hours away. The Oranje supporters' club describes hotel prices as ridiculous.
"Some fans will certainly try to drive there and back, even though it is about six hours to Leipzig," said club chief Lloyd Vandenberg. "But I think as the date gets closer some people will just pay those prices anyway as they are so keen to go."
Many price-conscious Dutch are expected to camp and a small Dutch firm has already reserved plots close to the three cities, each sleeping up to 2,000 people and offering a big screen on which to watch matches.
"Dutch people love to camp and they all have caravans," said Jeroen Toonen, the project co-ordinator. "The campsites are in the middle of nowhere where you'll be able to make some noise."
Four days in a tent costs 165 euros per person.
"We will try to create a huge orange caravan trail on the highway moving from city to city," Toonen said.
For the price-conscious fan, German youth hostels say they still have places. Camp sites will also be set up across the country.
Munich siteowners in particular say they will not be fazed by drunken fans as the city hosts millions during the Oktoberfest beer festival.
The 600-square metre "The Tent" will be filled with backpackers while "WM Camp", near the old Olympic stadium, will offer a little more privacy at among the lowest rates in the city -- four-person tents at 50 euros each per night.
However, would-be campers should beware. The last time the World Cup was held on German soil, in 1974, it rained. A lot.

Police stop rival city hooligans from clashing - 09/01/2006

Source : BARNSLEY NEWS

A POLICE operation to prevent hooligans clashing in Sheffield on Saturday has been hailed as a success.

AExtra officers were on duty throughout the day after both Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday were drawn at home for their third round FA Cup games. Officers feared rival fans would use the day as an opportunity to clash, and had mobile CCTV units and police spotters monitoring the crowds for known troublemakers. There were 70 hooligans banned from going anywhere near United's and Wednesday's grounds and ahead of the game they were warned that their movements would be monitored.
Superintendent Martin Hemingway, who planned the operation, said he was pleased with the lack of trouble - not one arrest made.
"It just goes to show that decent law-abiding fans can go to a game and enjoy it without having to worry about any trouble," he said.
"I hope the message is getting through that we will not tolerate any disorder from hooligans. However we will remain vigilant and whenever there is the potential for trouble, such as derby days, we will continue to mount significant policing operations to thwart it."

Hooligans to be tackled after New Year football clashes - 06/01/2006

Source : Weston & Somerset Mercury

A football fan was taken to hospital and one arrest made as trouble flared between hooligans at a New Year's Day match.

The incident took place as Weston Football Club played Newport County on Monday when dozens of English and Welsh yobs clashed.

Officials at the Woodspring Stadium in Winterstoke Road were on alert following rumours that rival groups, apparently from both towns, were spoiling for a fight.

A man was taken to Weston General Hospital with a broken leg and, in a separate incident, another was arrested by police for assault.

The nearby Walnut Tree pub had closed its doors for the day on police advice.

The trouble broke out towards the end of the game after the 650-strong crowd, who were segregated in the first half, were allowed to mix in the second.

A police support unit had been put on stand-by and was summoned to the ground midway through the second period.

The clubhouse bar had to be closed for half an hour after the game, which Weston won 2-1, and police stayed to maintain order. But football chiefs from Weston and Newport strongly deny any regular fans were involved, instead blaming trouble-seeking groups who used the match as an excuse to cause problems.

Weston FC chairman Paul Bliss said: "Clearly, lessons will have to be learned from the incident. More stewards and even a police presence may be required at the same fixture next year.

"This is not something we are accustomed to here and it is the first time I can remember any trouble at our ground in 20 years. A few idiots spoilt what was a great afternoon for everyone else."

Weston sector deputy Sgt Dave Holtby said: "I would describe it as a low level disturbance and it was dealt with quickly.

"The police would be happy to work with the club to give them advice on extra safety measures it might think necessary."

Newport County director Colin Everett said: "Our two clubs need to work together for next year's game in Weston."

Hooligans banned from World Cup - 10/01/2006

Source : BBC NEWS + Northants News

More than 275 football hooligans from the East Midlands have been banned from travelling to watch World Cup games.

They have been issued with banning orders accused of causing trouble at matches.

In total 102 Nottinghamshire fans, 94 from Derbyshire, 40 from Leicester and 39 from Lincolnshire have been barred.

Most of the convicted hooligans will have to surrender their passports before England's World Cup ties in Germany in 2006.

They will also have to sign in at a police station on the days when the national side are playing in the world cup.

All the fans affected are either convicted hooligans or those convicted of organising football violence.

As well as the international ban they must observe an an exclusion zone around their club's ground on match days.

Anyone failing to comply could be arrested.

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

Football yobs risk a World Cup ban

VIOLENT football hooligans have been told they will be banned from travelling to Germany for this summer's World Cup if they continue to cause trouble, with a gang of Cobblers fans involved in an organised brawl with rival fans for a second time in less than a month.

The Government warning comes after a group of supporters who were in London for Northampton Town's FA Cup Third Round defeat at Crystal Palace were involved in a brawl outside Kings Cross station with rival hooligans from Cardiff City and Charlton Athletic.
Fans have been told that they could face a ban of up to 10 years from attending matches both at home and abroad if they are convicted of football violence.
A Home Office spokesman said: "The Government has put tough legislation in place and has made public money available to help ensure that the police and courts can exploit the legislation.
"Any football fan who is found guilty of breaking the law – Football Spectators Act 1988 – will face a football banning order which will prevent them from attending football games at home and abroad for a period of between two and 10 years."
Details of the fight first appeared on a n internet messageboard dedicated to football violence and was confirmed by the British Transport Police.
The Chron reported last month that fans affiliated to the Northampton Affray Team were caught up in a mass brawl with thugs from two other clubs following the team's away game at Barnet.
Barnet supporters and Wigan fans, who were in the capital for an away game, were involved in the fight.
Two Cobblers fans had to receive treatment for head injuries following the latest brawl.
Northampton Town spokesman Gareth Willsher said: "We are very disappointed to learn of any unsavoury incidents involving Northampton Town fans.
"We are pleased that the vast majority of our supporters enjoyed a good and peaceful day out on Saturday, but we are very disappointed to learn that a very small number found themselves involved in an incident that could damage the excellent reputation that Northampton Town supporters have."
A spokesman for the British Transport Police confirmed that police officers were called out to deal with the fracas outside of Kings Cross station just before 9.30pm.
He said: "There were probably about 20 people involved in the fight. There were reports of Cardiff fans, Charlton fans and the two Northampton men who had injuries."

Espanyol suspend fans over racial abuse-10/01/2006

Source:Reuters

Espanyol have suspended two fans who abused Cameroon goalkeeper Carlos Kameni during Saturday's league game against Barcelona and are attempting to identify two more who were involved in an attack on two Japanese spectators.
The club said on their website that they would decide whether or not to expel the fans permanently at a board meeting later this week.
"Espanyol has always stood against violence and xenophobic behaviour and for some time has rejected any attitude that is contrary to sporting behaviour and respect towards others," the club said in a statement.
Kameni has been a regular victim of racial abuse from a section of the club's radical fans as well as opposing supporters at other grounds in Spain.
Last month he said the abuse had affected his performances for the club. Kameni is part of the Cameroon squad for this month's African Nations Cup in Egypt.

Brighton & Hove Albion - Coventry City - FA CUP - 07/01/2006

Source : ic Coventry

A FOOTBALL hooligan from Coventry has been jailed after violence flared in a Brighton pub before the Sky Blues' weekend FA Cup game.

Bottles were thrown in the resort's King and Queen pub before Coventry City's FA Cup tie with Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

Sean O'Sullivan, of Walsgrave Road, Stoke, Coventry, was jailed for four months by magistrates in Brighton yesterday.

He had pleaded guilty to a public order offence and breaching a football banning order.

The 23-year-old was among a group who did not have tickets for the match at the Withdean Stadium.

They had been thrown out of one pub by police before arriving at the King and Queen.

Sussex Police said a minority then began to throw bottles at officers.

They also intimidated bar staff. Officers in riot gear, including helmets and shields, ejected them from the pub and after escorting them to Brighton station, put them on a train to Haywards Heath, where they had minibuses waiting.

Speaking after O'Sullivan was jailed, Chief Supt Jeremy Paine, of Sussex Police, said: "The actions of the small minority of people caused distress to many people who witnessed their behaviour.

"We will not tolerate it and I am gratified that this man has got the correct punishment."


* A man, aged 25, from Coventry, was arrested on suspicion of public order offences, possession of Class A drugs and breaching a banning order. He was bailed for six weeks pending further inquiries.

Fighting fans warned: We are watching you - 10/01/2006

Source : PRESTON TODAY

Football hooligans who try to start fights at Preston North End's derby with Burnley have been told – you are being watched.

Football Intelligence officers at Preston Police have identified a number of people who may cause trouble at the match.
Ahead of the Turf Moor clash on January 21, all of these people will see warning letters drop on their doormats.
PC Guy Nellany, Preston's chief football intelligence officer, said: "These letters will not be telling people they can't go to the game.
"They are not even telling them to stay away. They are simply warning them that if they go and they cause trouble they will be dealt with by the police and that they are putting their chances of travelling to the World Cup in the summer in danger."
The fact England are competing in the World Cup in Germany this summer has reduced the amount of hooliganism across the county, according to the police.
Known troublemakers have stayed out of bother to ensure they don't get hit with banning orders.
PC Nellany said: "It is always more quiet ahead of a big tournament because people don't want to be stopped from travelling to watch England. This season has been no different. There have been less problems across the country and certainly across Lancashire.
"But with a derby match the potential for trouble is there – people can lose their heads on the day."
There are currently 25 people from Preston who have football banning orders.
PC Nellany said any people who do cause trouble at Burnley, after receiving a letter, will have the letter used against them as evidence in court.
In 2002, there were violent clashes between fans before, during and after the Burnley match at Deepdale, which had a teatime kick-off.
The clashes were at their worst in the Roper Hall, off Friargate, where riot police were called and numerous Burnley and Preston fans were arrested for violent disorder.
PC Nellany said: "The tea-time kick off was dictated by Sky Television, but it will never happen again."
PC Nellany is one of a handful of officers from the UK who has been hand-picked to work as a spotter in Germany this summer.
Throughout the World Cup he will work at identifying known hooligans.

Tourizense - Benfica Lisboa - Cup - 11/01/2006

Source: post

Porto supporters went to the game to steal and beat No Name Boys and Diabos Vermelhos members. There was a clash between both sides, having Porto supporters fleed and two of them were stabbed.

St Mirren - Motherwell FC - Cup - 07/01/2006

Source: The Paisley Daily Express (mail)

LSD pub raided by Motherwell football casuals


Barmaids at a popular pub suffered a terrifying ordeal when a gang of mindless Motherwell football casuals went on the rampage as their team was being hammered by St Mirren.
The hooligans hurled tables chairs and glasses at horrified staff in the Hole in the 'wa pub in Paisley, causing hundreds of pounds of damage.
the frightening attack took place while St Mirren and Motherwell were still playing a Scottish Cup tie at the nearby Love St stadium on Saturday.
Yesterday, it emerged the casuals had left the match early to go in search of trouble and their attack on the pub had left windows shattered.
Yvonne McLaughlin, who runs the busy Old Sneddon St hostelry, said it is fortunate no-one was seriously hurt.
She told the Paisley Daily Express; "there had been no hint of trouble but then this guy walked into the lounge and said "alright mate ? " to the people who were sitting having a drink. the next thing we know, some more guys follow him in and started to throw stuff.
We managed to force the hooligans outside and we locked the main doors to the lounge but even then they began throwing things at the windows.
one of the windows has been shattered and the stained glass window on the inside of the doors of the lounge have also been smashed.
fortunately most of our customers were still watching the game at Love St when the trouble happened, so the pub wasnt very busy. The police got here very quickly and things got back to normal.
Its understood that a gang of around 30 Motherwell casuals left Love St at half time during saturdays cup tie, which Saints won 3-0, looking for trouble.
One source told the Express "the idiots who targeted the pub are not genuine supporters"
Police have been viewing footage from the pubs cctv cameras following the disturbance.
a spokesman said "we attended an incident at the Hole in the 'wa pub and one person was arrested"

Security measures in Serie A a success - 13/01/2006

Source : AFP

Strict security measures introduced by the Italian government at the start of the season to combat football violence has proved a roaring success.
The National Observer of Sporting Events said arrests in Serie A had fallen by 54 per cent compared with the same period last season, and that the number of incidents of crowd trouble that had resulted in injuries were down by 57 per cent.
The new legislation to lower the risk of trouble included personalised ticketing, a ban on ticket sales on match days, more stewards and an increased number of security cameras inside and outside stadiums.


Italian policemen shoot tear gas at Torino fans in February 2003. Strict security measures introduced by the Italian government at the start of the season to combat football violence has proved a roaring success.

Fan claims probed - 10/01/2006

Source : Evening Gazette

Reports that racist football yobs hurled a banana at Boro star Yakubu, then left a young boy covered in blood after pelting Teesside supporters with missiles, were under investigation today.

The thugs threw the fruit and made monkey noises at the Nigerian striker during Boro's FA Cup clash with non-leaguers Nuneaton Borough at the weekend, it was claimed.

Anti-racism campaigners today called on Nuneaton Borough to investigate the allegations while Middlesbrough FC condemned the "mindless idiots" who targeted the African striker.

It is also alleged an 11-year-old boy was struck on the forehead after Boro fans were pelted by coins and plastic bottles as home fans stormed the pitch at the final whistle.

Dave Allan, Middlesbrough FC spokesman, said: "We weren't aware of the incident but clearly it is hugely disappointing. Unfortunately there are always a few mindless idiots who remind us that we cannot rest on our laurels when it comes to fighting racism."

Leon Mann, a spokesperson from Kick It Out, football's anti-racism campaign in the UK, said: "We firmly believe that any allegation of racial abuse should be taken seriously and would expect Nuneaton Borough to investigate the matter if they have received complaints."

Lifelong Boro fan Chris Payne, a 21-year-old call centre worker from Acklam, Middlesbrough, witnessed the attack.

He said: "While the Middlesbrough players were going through their warm-up routine I was appalled to see a banana being thrown at Yakubu.

"I don't think he saw it because he just carried on warming up. I'm sure I heard monkey chants during the game as well."

And Mr Payne described the "terrifying scene" as thousands of Nuneaton fans charged and launched missiles at the Boro fans at the final whistle.

"They threw bottles and coins into the stand. One coin hit a child stood directly behind me - causing a nasty cut to the forehead. He could have only been 11 or 12. It was quite scary and was the worst away game I have been to in ten years.

"It could have been much worse because the police and stewards didn't seem to care what was going on."

Warwickshire Police stressed no-one was arrested and that they were unaware of any alleged racist incident or injury to the youngster.

And David Radburn, Nuneaton Borough's joint safety officer, said the club was praised by police for stewarding the game.

He added: "In fairness, some Boro fans were also throwing bottles and coins. I'm really sorry to hear that a young boy was hurt but we have not received any reports of that."

Boro are working closely with the police to ensure there is no repeat of trouble in the Riverside Stadium replay on January 17.

The Football Association is expecting to receive a report in the next 24 hours from an official who attended Saturday's cup tie. A spokesman said: "Once we have that information we will look at what further inquiries may need to be made."

Club tears down 'hooligan' fence - 12/01/2006

Source : BBC NEWS

Cardiff City have become the last Football League Club to remove fencing between home and away supporters.

Saturday's match against Burnley will be the first fixture without a 6ft fence and netting dividing rival fans in Ninian Park's Grange End.

Fewer arrests among supporters have led to South Wales Police giving permission for the fences' removal.

It will be accompanied by a campaign calling on Bluebirds fans to end offensive chanting towards away fans.

Five years ago, Cardiff supporters had the most arrests, and football banning orders, of English football's 92 league clubs.

But police have now said the level of disorder involving Cardiff fans is comparable with most other clubs, leading police to approve the scrapping of Ninian Park's fences.

The fencing, consisting of a 6ft tall fence and netting for several feet above that, was removed on Thursday.

Bluebirds' fans groups welcomed the move as a sign the club's image, tarnished by hooliganism among some fans in recent years, had improved.

Gwyn Davies, of the Valley Rams supporters club, said: "I've been coming here for 40-odd years and I can't remember the last time there were no fences.

In my lifetime, I've seen the fences go up with the start of hooliganism and now, hopefully, I've seen the end of them.

"We want to encourage away fans to come here because it generates atmosphere, which is what football's all about."

Fellow City supporter, Paul Corkrey, added: "We're fed up with our reputation at City and it's time things changed. This is a step forward."

Chief Superintendent Bob Evans, of South Wales Police, said no special measures would be put in place for Saturday's visit of Burnley to Ninian Park in the Championship.

He said: "We will be monitoring the situation and offer stewards help if they need it."

Mr Evans added that taking the fences down was a "symbolic" move, reflecting the improved behaviour of fans.

He said: "Cardiff City's fans hadn't been the best behaved in the country, but we would give credit for the progress that has been made.

"For me, taking the fences down is a win-win situation.

"Fans get a better atmosphere to watch football, the club's family image will improve and if behaviour improves further, we will be able to take officers away from Ninian Park on match days and put them on the streets of south Wales."

The next three Cardiff City home matches will also see a leafleting campaign run by police and the club calling for an end to offensive chanting and "hostility towards the away fans".

Deputy chairman, Peter Ridsdale, said: "We stamped on violence here and now want to stop the obscene chanting and vitriol towards visiting supporters.

"The fences coming down and the leafleting campaign are all part of a package."


Cardiff City are the last league club to remove fences

Toulouse FC - Paris SG – 12/01/2005

Source : Mail + L'EQUIPE

No Tigris members at Toulouse were about 25/30 PSG independents fans were waiting for them...

As they were turning back to Paris, Friday morning, at the Paris-Austerlitz station, 8 Boulogne Boys + 1 independent were assaulted by about 30 Tigris Mystic members who used firecrackers and other weapons.
Tigris charged and Boys re-entered the train and police forces made an intervention. Five Tigris members were arrested before being released.

Catania fans caused troubles - 14/01/2006

Source: Ansa

About 300 Catania fans were identificated and 2 arrested as these fans caused severe riots in Parma station as they couldn't reach Brescia.
These riots took place for 2 hours and severe damages were caused at the station.
A car was also burnt.

German police told to smarten up ahead of World Cup - 14/01/2006

Source: Reuters

German police have been told to smarten up ahead of this June's World Cup, shaving off three-day beards and wearing more traditional hairstyles, an Interior Ministry spokeswoman said on Saturday.

The order, which applies to Germany's federal police, matches regulations which already apply to state police forces, she said, confirming a report in the weekly Der Spiegel.

The magazine said that as well as stubble, piercings, excessive jewellery and visible tattoos, the order explicitly targeted "so-called Lagerfeld ponytails", named after the hair style made famous by flamboyant fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld.

It said other hairstyles "which may be perceived as an expression of a marked individualist demeanour" were also banned.

Makeup was only allowed so long as it could be regarded as "socially appropriate for a policeman or policewoman."

SC Braga - Sporting Portugal - 07/01/2006

Source: forum

Troubles between Sporting fans