Season 06/07 - April

Leeds Utd - Ipswich Town - 28/04/2007

Source : Leeds Today

Pitch invasion as Leeds United face relegation

TROUBLE-MAKING fans staged a mass pitch invasion during the closing stages of Leeds United's crunch relegation clash with Ipswich Town.
Hundreds of supporters flooded onto the pitch with about a minute left to play as it became clear that results elsewhere had all but condemnded United to the drop.

Players from both sides raced to the sanctuary of the dressing room as stewards stood on the touchline apparently unable to prevent the yobs streaming out of the stands.

At first many in the ground thought the game had been abandoned but then announcements made it clear the final 60 seconds would be played if the pitch was cleared.

During the delay some fans made an unsuccessful attempt to reach the south east corner of the ground which was holding the Ipswich Town supporters.

Others swung from the goal posts in front of the South Stand while one thug pulled up a corner flag and hurled it javelin-style towards the John Charles Stand.

Most of the Kop were chanting "you're the scum of Elland Road" to the thugs on the pitch.

By 5.20pm the troublemakers finally began to heed the pleas for them to get off the pitch and the players returned to play out the final minute of the game.

It ended 1-1 and all but sealed United's fate. Hull City are three points clear of the Whites with one game to go but with a far superior goal difference.

Experts say relegation to League One will cost the club thousands of pounds in lost revenue from TV rights and sponsorship.

Season ticket holder Mark North, from Farsley, said: "The equaliser was a real kick in the teeth.

"Everyone is absolutely gutted but to be fair a lot of fans have thought for a long time at the back of our minds that we are going to be relegated.

"It's going to be hard to bounce back from this."

When the final whistle eventually sounded the supporters left without any further trouble erupting.

A presentation to retiring United stalwart Gary Kelly passed off without incident.

United players also returned to show their appreciation to the fans who had remained behind.

Police bail 11 held after football fight - 28/04/2007

Source : Evening Star

ELEVEN Ipswich Town fans suspected of being hard-core football hooligans are out on bail today.

They were all arrested in, or following, dawn raids on houses in Ipswich, Stowupland and Milton Keynes last week.

The arrests were for conspiracy to cause violent disorder.

The men are believed to have been part of a gang that carried out an attack on Norwich supporters at Ipswich railway station as they travelled home from a game against Colchester on March 31.

The suspects were questioned by officers at Ipswich police station after last Thursday's dawn raids, which involved around 30 officers and was led by the British Transport Police.

Detective constable Alan Reed, one of the BTP officers involved, said: “All 11 were arrested and have now been questioned.

“They have been released and are now on bail pending further inquiries.

“As part of our inquiries we are still keen to speak to any witnesses to the violence at Ipswich railway station or anyone who was attacked.”

Around 25 BTP officers and five Suffolk police took park in last Thursday's raids, which began shortly before 6.30am.

The disorder at Ipswich railway station took place following Town's home game with Plymouth.

Both sets of fans are believed to have pre-arranged the violence and as the 7pm train from Liverpool Street pulled into Ipswich at 8.10pm the fighting broke out.

Several people are said to have been assaulted, including railway staff. Families with young children were forced to scatter as fists and other objects including beer cans flew.

The train had to make an emergency stop when Ipswich hooligans tried to get through the windows as it pulled away.

The service was delayed for 15 minutes until it was able to leave.

Hooligan gets 7-year match ban - 28/04/2007

Source : Express & Star

A hooligan who lashed out during “horrific” clashes with police when Cardiff played Wolves at Molineux has been banned from football matches for seven years.

Bluebirds season ticket holder Richard Locke, aged 25, swore at riot officers and also yelled: “You’re going to have it” during the ugly scenes in a bar area at the city ground.

Rugby player Locke, who was drunk after sinking eight pints of lager, pushed officers, chanted and also swore, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard yesterday.

He was handed the banning order and given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to do 40 hours unpaid community work.

Scuffles in a bar area spilled into the Steve Bull stand during the League match, on March 11 last year, which Wolves won 2-0.

Mr Julian Elcock, prosecuting said Cardiff hooligans began throwing punches at bar staff after being angered by a half-time alcohol ban.

“Mr Locke, who was in front of a sergeant, was shouting and gesticulating. He was heard to shout ‘You’re going to have it.’

“Another sergeant observed him throwing more than one punch – he was clearly intoxicated.

“One of the sergeants tried to calm down Mr Locke, who lunged at another officer. The group began singing ‘You’ll never ban a City fan.’

“He was at the front, had his arms raised as they were singing this in the form of a victorious salute.”

Locke, of Sunnybank Road, Port Talbot, who admitted violent disorder, told one officer: “It’s nothing personal, mate.”

Mr Simon Worlock, defending, said: “He was drunk in a crowd at the wrong time. This is entirely against character. He’s deeply remorseful and totally ashamed.”

Recorder Hilary Watson said the violence on the day was “the most horrific scene for anybody present.”

“You pushed the officers, you were throwing punches and shouting.”

Locke was also ordered to pay £1,264 costs.

Football hooligans facing match bans - 28/04/2007

Source : Halifax Today

HOOLIGANS could face football bans after trouble at a Halifax Town match.

Police received reports of assault, threatening behaviour and criminal damage after a pitch invasion by supporters in the last minutes of the Nationwide Conference derby clash with York City at the Shay.
Three youths and one man, all from York, have been charged with violence-related offences following the match on January 23 which finished 1-1.
An 18-year-old has been charged with threatening behaviour and going on to the playing area. He will appear before Calderdale magistrates on May 3.
A 16-year-old has been charged with affray, going on to the playing area and throwing a missile. Another 16-year-old has been charged with criminal damage and throwing a missile.
A 15-year-old has also been accused of affray and going on to the playing area. They will appear at Calderdale Magistrates on May 2.
Another juvenile has been referred to the York Youth Offending Team for a final warning after he invaded the pitch.
The charges follow consultation with Calderdale Police Operations and CID, aided by North Yorkshire Police, plus the Crown Prosecution Service.
Inspector Simon Spencer, of Calderdale Police, said: "We did this to demonstrate that this type of behaviour is not acceptable. It causes safety concerns to people who want to enjoy football as a family event.
"It also demonstrates to people in York that police will take a tough stance on football related violence."
Inspector Spencer also said football banning orders may be sought if the four people are convicted.
"If successful, the orders will prevent them attending any UK football matches from the Conference League upwards, plus any England games.
"Football banning orders will send out a clear message that if you are involved in violent behaviour then you will be vigorously pursued."

York City - Oxford Utd - 28/04/2007

Source : The Press

Billy’s pitch is for calm

YORK City boss Billy McEwan has appealed for fans to stay off the pitch at the end of Saturday's crucial Conference home clash with Oxford United.

The Minstermen need a point to secure a play-off place from the match but McEwan has asked supporters not to celebrate by encroaching on the playing surface.

Repairs will be carried out on KitKat Crescent's troubled pitch in the summer and McEwan is keen not to incur any further damage, as well as stressing that, should City be successful in their top-five bid, the ground will be needed for a further match.

The City boss has also pointed out that the players will perform a lap of honour at the end of the game, regardless of the result, and mingle with fans.

McEwan said: "It's important that our supporters keep off the pitch at the end of the game. We may be playing another game on it and we have to save the pitch anyway because it needs renovation work at the end of the season.

"It's also important to stay off the pitch from a safety point of view. People have been injured running on at other grounds and that can spoil things.

"The players will do a lap of honour and everybody can see them then. I hope our supporters can show some patience and understanding."

McEwan is also relishing playing in front of an expected 5,000 plus crowd.

The club's highest gate for a Conference match stands at 4,921 which was achieved at last season's 3-1 Boxing Day victory over Scarborough.

City's biggest attendance so far this season saw 3,588 supporters witness the 2-0 home win over neighbours Halifax on the Saturday before Christmas.

The Minstermen have not boasted a home crowd in excess of 5,000 since January 2004 when 6,969 turned up for Huddersfield Town's visit.

McEwan added: "Tickets are selling like hot cakes and I'm hoping we can get as many fans along as we possibly can. I'm hoping people who might not have seen us play all season will come along and cheer us on.

"We've got great fans and the more that come the better. It will spur us on in what is sure to be an eventful day in the history of York City Football Club."

City fans can now pay a £50 deposit, rather than the full amount, by May 18 to secure their 2007/2008 season ticket at this season's prices.

The offer will apply to existing season-ticket holders only with the balance then required by Friday, June 8.

On announcing rises in the cost of season-tickets yesterday, the Minstermen had originally given supporters the May deadline to take advantage of the old prices by paying in full.

But City officials have decided to offer the deposit option having considered the potential cost of additional play-off games and a possible trip to Wembley.

The deposits will not be refundable and, should the balance fail to be paid by June 8, supporters will then have to buy their season tickets at the new, increased price.

City's reserves prised a point from a goal-less draw at Hull City, but it was the pitch that was the winner in the Pontin's Holidays Insurance League division one East duel.

A bumpy surface was not conducive to classic football though there was enough chances at both ends for a 5-5 draw, said York reserve team coach Colin Walker.

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

Police out in force for City

POLICE were out in force to make sure there was no trouble following York City's crunch clash with Oxford United.

There was a massive police presence around the KitKat Crescent football ground and in the city centre before, during and after the match - which saw York qualify for a play-off place with a 1-0 victory.

More than 5,300 fans watched the match - about double City's normal home gate.

Dozens of extra police officers patrolled the streets of the city centre on foot in high-visibility jackets while others patrolled Clifton in cars and vans.

Officers also escorted away fans from the railway station to the ground and horses from West Yorkshire Police's mounted unit were drafted in to help with crowds near the ground.

Some York City fans invaded the pitch after the match, but were quickly broken up by police officers and stewards.

The police had been keen to prevent a flare-up of the disorder which broke out after the two teams met at Oxford's Kassam Stadium in September last year. It led to at least eight York City fans being given three-year football banning orders.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said there were only two arrests for minor public order offences. Inspector Simon Lovell, who was working in the force control room until 11pm on Saturday, said there had been very little trouble.

He said: "I'm not aware of any significant trouble following the match.

"We did not have to deal with any significant public order issues.

"It was very much just a normal Saturday night in York and there was nothing as a result of the celebrations after the football.

"The Oxford fans all went on their way peacefully after the match."

Extra police officers and special constables were drafted in to help police the match and a public order unit - with about eight police officers in riot gear - was on standby all day.

Ahead of the game Chief Inspector Dave Hall, of York Police, who was in charge of the operation, said there would be a more significant police presence at the game than usual because of the recent history between the two teams and because of the high-profile level of the game, with York City competing for a play off place.

The Press told in February how eight York City fans, including a 16-year-old, were banned from watching football matches for a combined total of 24 years and fined more than £4,000 between them earlier this year.

They were arrested following the match between Oxford United and York City on September 30 last year.

Trouble erupted after the match when the group was refused entry to The Priory pub in Oxford.

Carlisle Utd - Swansea - 28/04/2007

Source : BBC SPORT + Jackarmy

There were ugly scenes at the end of the game as Carlisle fans invaded the pitch, and Swansea striker Trundle needed a police escort to make his way to the changing rooms.

Real Madrid - Valencia CF - 21/04/2007

Source : Reuters

AS Roma - SS Lazio - 29/04/2007

Source : ANSA + pics La Repubblica

Two fans injured ahead of Rome derby

Two fans were injured in clashes outside the Stadio Olimpico hours before the city derby to be played Sunday afternoon between Roma and Lazio, the ANSA news agency reported.The riots erupted shortly after the gates to the stadium were opened. Two people were stabbed and taken to Rome hospitals. Other clashes took place in the streets leading to the Olimpico.

Bristol Rovers - Swindon Town - 28/04/2007

Source : Swindon Advertiser

Thugs' baseball attack on Town fans

A GANG of 20 hooligans armed with baseball bats attacked Swindon Town fans before the team's crucial match with Bristol Rovers.

The unprovoked violence took place at the Inn on the Green pub in Horfield, Bristol, at about 1.30pm as about 30 Town fans gathered for a friendly pre-match drink before the crunch encounter.

Fans caught up in the terrifying ordeal have described the attack as premeditated.

Karen Norton, 22, of Wantage, was among the Town fans targeted in the pub's beer garden. She said: "We were just sat in the pub garden and all of a sudden these blokes came in with baseball bats and started throwing glasses and bottles at us.

"It was completely unprovoked as we were just enjoying a quiet drink, there were even some Rovers fans there who we were getting on with. I got put behind a group of blokes for my own safety, but then a glass only just missed my face.

"The blokes with the baseball bats were just attacking the Swindon fans - there was blood everywhere. I was just crying my eyes out. I have never seen anything like it in my life."

One eyewitness said the gang were contacted via mobile phone by one man who then singled out the fans that were attacked.

Chris Doore, 33, also from Wantage, said that the yobs crashed through the beer garden's fence to make their escape.

He said: "The fence was demolished in the beer garden as they legged it. After about five minutes six or seven riot police arrived and I said you're a bit late.' "There must have been between 20 and 30 blokes in casual clothes and one of them was shouting they're over there' pointing to the Swindon fans.

"I saw one bloke get hit in the face and there were quite a few others who were injured."

Chris Chadwick, 18, of Old Town, was inside the pub when he heard glasses smashing in the beer garden.

"We looked outside the window and there were loads of what I assumed to be Rovers fans," he said. "Some of them had a lot of wood and they were throwing bottles and glasses at the Swindon fans.

"They came into the beer garden from the rear gate.

"It's the first time I have ever seen anything like that so it was fairly scary. The Swindon fans were coming back into the pub to get away from it all.

"One of the blokes that came in was holding his arm and he was in agony so I think he must have broken it, but there were a lot of people with gashes and cuts. I've been against the ground share from the start and what happened on Saturday makes me even more against it."

The landlord of the Inn on the Green confirmed the trouble had taken place, but declined to comment further.

Around 150 police officers were employed for the derby game and the Adver understands they were equipped with rigid Arnold batons for the first time in 10 years.

PC James Neighbour, Swindon police football liaison officer, said that he was aware of the violence at the Inn on the Green and said it was one of several flashpoints involving rival supporters before the game.

But he said the perpetrators of the violence would be dealt with by Avon and Somerset police.

He said: "As far as I am concerned, I'm aware that there was trouble in various different locations in Bristol.

"Avon and Somerset police are also aware and the matter will be dealt with accordingly.

"I thought Swindon fans were well behaved. What I can say is that small groups of Swindon fans were being picked off by larger groups of Bristol Rovers risk' supporters, in other words hooligans.

"It was disappointing to see, but there was a police helicopter with a camera, police units with cameras and lots of footage taken so we can arrest those responsible."

AFC Telford - Burscough FC - 28/04/2007

Source : BBC News

Club face inquiry over invasion

AFC Telford United could face an FA inquiry after two fans burst onto the pitch when the opposition scored a second goal on Saturday.
The fans confronted the Burscough goalscorer after he hit the winner in the 2-1 victory at the New Bucks Head.

The club implemented safety measures, including fan segregation, after fans confronted a linesman in March.

Two people were arrested at the match for football related offences and released on police bail.

RSC Charleroi - FC Bruges - 15/04/2007

Source: mail

Following some phone calls, both groups decided to set up a fight before the football game.
Unfortunatly, it seems that the authorities had been forewarned, considering the amount of spotters and CCTV mobilized as soon as the locals gathered.
Finally, after having wait for a long time, Charleroi's lads (about 40) tried to reach the 5O BCF (Bruges).
Thus, the police charged the locals, stopping any possibility. A few minutes latter, a new attempt will be repressed by the cavalry.

After the game, Bruges'mob will be escorted as never before by the cops. Some 15 Charleroi's lads tried to reach the group anyway, provocking one last intervention of the cavalry.
A few minutes later, some BCF tried to escape from the cops too, to reach the locals.
In vain.


Charleroi's mob




The cops after the first attack.

FC Nantes - Rennes - 28/04/2007

Source : maltaStar

Barthez confirms Nantes departure

Fabien Barthez has confirmed that he will not play again for Nantes after he was attacked by hooligans last Saturday.

Barthez was set upon in the Beaujoire-Louis Fonteneau stadium car park by a gang of fans angry at the 2-0 home loss to Rennes, which leaves them eight points from safety in Ligue 1 with only four matches left in the season.

"I don't feel safe there anymore," Barthez declared. "I won't play again for Nantes. I don't feel comfortably living in this way.

"That is why I want to leave."

Barthez, who has won the World Cup and European Championships with France in his illustrious career, said that the incident is alien to the concept of sport.

"It has nothing to do with football and Nantes results," he lambasted. "What happened is not about sport.

"I can accept being booed during a match: that is to do with football.

"But I can't accept something which doesn't concern football."

Hereford United - Shrewsbury Town - 28/04/2007

Source : Shropshire Star

Man hurt as Shrews fans fight

A man was taken to hospital with head injuries and two other men were arrested after violence broke out among Shrewsbury Town fans on a train in Ludlow.

Trouble flared when football followers caught a train from Hereford to Shrewsbury at about 5.30pm, following town’s game on Saturday against Hereford United.

An argument broke out among a group of supporters who were travelling back to Shrewsbury and it escalated into a fight.

Blanket alcohol ban for AC Milan - Man Utd decider - 30/04/2007

Source : AFP

Authorities in Milan have enforced a blanket ban on the sale of alcohol this Wednesday in a bid to stave off the threat of trouble between Manchester United and AC Milan fans.

AC Milan host United for the second leg of their semi-final a week after United won the first leg 3-2 at Old Trafford.

More than 5,000 United supporters are expected in Milan for the decider, and local authorities, fearing an alcohol-fuelled free-for-all following several incidents prior to and during United's quarter-final against Roma, have banned the sale of alcohol in shops througout the city and the airport.

The only place fans will be able to drink alcohol is in restaurants.

The decision seems to be inspired by the authorities in Rome, who said alcohol was the main reason behind the dozen or so incidents which marred the first leg of United's quarter-final against Roma in the Italian capital.

However there remains widespread doubt that the alcohol ban in Milan will be respected.

The day after the Roma v United match the Italian media reported that despite a similar ban in Rome spirits and beer were seen to be freely on sale.

Liverpool: How did police footage of city's worst hooligan battle end up on DVD? - 20/04/2007

source: Liverpool Daily Post

Footage of some of the worst football violence seen in Liverpool in recent years is being sold on the internet and much of it was filmed by Merseyside Police.

The trade in hooligan DVDs on dedicated websites and auction sites has created its own mini-industry and the film uses images that have clearly been taken by police officers on foot, horse and helicopter.

“The Battle of the Valley”, between Everton and Manchester Utd supporters, was described as the biggest of its kind ever seen on Merseyside.

Police condemned the sale of the footage as “completely irresponsible” and launched legal action to prevent sales continuing after being made aware of the trade by the Daily Post.

Crewe - Tranmere Rovers - 28/04/2007

Source : ic CheshireOnline

Manager dismayed over crowd trouble

CROWD trouble marred Crewe Alex's final home game of the season on Saturday as fans brawled on the pitch.

Ten people were arrested for fighting as Alex and Tranmere Rovers supporters spilled on to the pitch shortly after the final whistle.

Safety officers ruled the usual end of season post-match appearance from the players should be cancelled amid the violence, much to manager Dario Gradi's dismay.

He said: 'It was spoilt at the end. The game had been played in good spirit, so quite why the supporters were fighting I don't know.

'I was told beforehand the players weren't going on the pitch but they'd come up into the directors' box. Whilst I didn't particularly like that I abide by the safety rules.

'They then announced they weren't coming out full stop but that wasn't right, they should have announced why. I went roaring back in to speak to the safety officer but he said they had a serious incident.'

A number were arrested in the ground and along Nantwich Road for minor skirmishes.

Sergeant Carl Capewell said: 'The stewards acted very quickly to deal with the problem. This sort of disorder is out of character at the Crewe Alexandra ground and both the police and the football authorities take this incident very seriously.

'A post-match review will be taking place to determine which other people may have been involved in the dis-order so action can be taken.'

Sgt Capewell added yesterday: 'The 10 people arrested have had the details explained to them. They have been released but may be summoned again once inquiries have been completed.

'When we have gathered witness statements and looked at the evidence available, if we need to speak to anyone else we will find them in due course.'

The Alex had scored a last minute equaliser through Shaun Miller after Tranmere, who had goalkeeper Gavin Ward sent off, had taken the lead through Danny Harrison.

Rot-Weiss Essen - Hansa Rostock - 30/04/2007

Source : SPIEGEL + Presseportal

Second-division match interrupted by crowd trouble

A German second-division match was interrupted for 15 minutes when a fire broke out in the stands after some fans set flares alight.

The match late Monday between Rot-Weiss Essen and Hansta Rostock resumed after police stormed the section holding about 1,500 Rostock fans and subdued the troublemakers.

The referee sent the players to the locker room as soon as the fire broke out. Several flares were also thrown onto the field.

Police detained 75 people, 11 of whom could face charges. Police said 14 people were slightly injured.

















Video :

http://rapidshare.com/files/28800992/pyro_rostock.avi.html

Etoile - Espérance Tunis - 08/04/07

Source : Mail

29 supporters and 6 policemen were injured and 47 fans were arrested.

Argentina: Club Atletico Union - 21/04/2007

Source: http://www.ellitoral.com

Four policemen were injured during troubles who occured during the party organised for the 100th birthday of their favourite team.

Foul-mouthed West Ham supporters arrested - 25/04/2007

Source: http://www.btp.presscentre.com

British Transport Police (BTP) arrested two West Ham fans and are applying for football banning orders against them after they shouted offensive chants at rival Chelsea supporters.

BTP Inspector for West Ham Chris Horton said:

“The men were singing extremely offensive chants while queuing to get into the Upton park LUL station following the West Ham v Chelsea game on April 18, which Chelsea won 4-1.

“We’re not here to spoil the fun but people have the right to travel on the Underground and go about their business without being subjected to offensive behaviour or abusive language.”

If successful, the football banning orders will stop the men from travelling on the Underground on any day when West Ham is playing. The order will also prevent them attending West Ham games or being in specified areas near to where a West Ham match is being played.

Recently BTP was successful in securing a landmark football banning orders against a Tottenham Hotspur fan who subjected passengers on the Tube to a vicious tirade of racial and sexist abuse. The fan, James Fluin (20) of Kent, cannot travel on the Tube or overground rail for four hours before and after a Tottenham, Chelsea or England football match.

BTP has a 100% success rate in applying for football banning orders.

Both men, aged 20 and 22, were arrested and charged under the Public Order Act and will appear at Stratford Magistrate’s Court on April 27th.

Officers also arrested a 42-year-old West Ham fan for subjecting Chelsea fans and BTP officers to a tirade of verbal abuse on the same night at Plaistow LUL station and he was bailed to attend Stratford Magistrate’s Court on May 4.

Fortuna Sittard - Go Ahead Eagles Deventer - 13/04/2007

Source: forum

Prior to the game 2 mobs of about 40 locals (joined by about 15 Belgians - Genk) fronted about 30/35 Eagles lads.
Finally GAE mob on the run.

Chelsea fc - Liverpool fc - 25/04/2007

Source : Mail

Toon fan barred for order breach - 30/04/2007

Source: The Evening Chronicle

Toon fan Michael Davy has been banned from going within five miles of any football stadium on match days for the next three years.

The ban, plus a £50 fine, was imposed by Bedlington magistrates after they were told he had breached another order imposed by magistrates in Bolton earlier this year.

Sarah O'Neil, prosecuting, said that under the earlier order Davy, 44, of Barrasford Road Cramlington, was banned from all football grounds in the UK and international away games involving England or Newcastle United.

As part of that order, he should have presented himself at Bedlington Police Station on March 15 between 5pm and 8pm on March 15, the day Newcastle United met AZ Alkmaar in Holland.

He failed to turn up, although he did phone the police station saying he was calling from a Cramlington pub and did not have the fare to get to Bedlington. When he did turn up at the station the next day he was arrested.

The new order imposed at Bedlington bans him from going within five miles of any football stadium in the country where there is an England or Newcastle United match, for 24 hours before and 12 hours after kick-off time. Alan Brown, defending, said Davy, a widowed father with two grown-up daughters, had his fare to get to Bedlington police station, but spent it feeding a gas meter while one of his daughters was cooking a meal.


"Mr Davy was aware of the requirement to report to Bedlington Police Station and fully intended to do so," he added.


When he ran out of money Davy decided that the next best option was to telephone police and tell them where he was during the Newcastle V AZ Alkmaar game so that they could find him if they wanted. "He satisfied the spirit, if not the word of the banning order," he added.

England: PC facing court over soccer fans' fracas - 23/04/2007

Source: The Evening Chronicle

A rookie policeman who suffered a dislocated shoulder while reportedly fending off soccer fans is facing court.

British Transport Police issued an appeal for public help last year after an alleged fracas at Newcastle Central Station.

Up to a dozen Sunderland fans returning from London after a 2-0 defeat at West Ham, were involved in an incident on a platform at the station.

A BTP constable was on duty when an alleged fight broke out and a fan was arrested.

While the suspect was escorted from the station by officers, it was said about 12 fans tried to drag them away.

It was during a reported struggle that the officer suffered a dislocated shoulder, which needed hospital treatment.

Today the Chronicle can reveal a BTP constable David Morgan, 27, has been summonsed to appear before Newcastle magistrates this week.

A BTP spokeswoman said: "British Transport Police expect the highest integrity and ethical standards from all their officers and staff. Occasionally employees may fall below these standards. On these occasions we thoroughly investigate incidents internally and if appropriate refer to the Crown Prosecution Service. We can confirm an officer has been investigated internally under suspicion of perverting the course of justice following an incident on February 4, 2006.

"As a result the case was sent to CPS and a decision was made to prosecute.

"A Newcastle officer will appear at Newcastle magistrates on April 26."

At the time, Acting Sgt Gavin Alcorn, based in Newcastle, appealed in the Chronicle for witnesses to contact police.

He said: "It was the last GNER East Coast train from King's Cross and it was fully booked with Sunderland fans returning from the West Ham game and rugby fans from Sheffield.

"The majority of Sunderland fans normally get off at Durham but a number travelled on to Newcastle."

"The injured officer received hospital treatment and is still recovering."

"We would appeal for anyone who saw what happened and can identify those responsible to contact British Transport Police."

CCTV footage inside and outside the station was studied.

Hooligan gets 7-year match ban - 28/04/2007

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

A hooligan who lashed out during “horrific” clashes with police when Cardiff played Wolves at Molineux has been banned from football matches for seven years.

Bluebirds season ticket holder Richard Locke, aged 25, swore at riot officers and also yelled: “You’re going to have it” during the ugly scenes in a bar area at the city ground.

Rugby player Locke, who was drunk after sinking eight pints of lager, pushed officers, chanted and also swore, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard yesterday.

He was handed the banning order and given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to do 40 hours unpaid community work.

Scuffles in a bar area spilled into the Steve Bull stand during the League match, on March 11 last year, which Wolves won 2-0.

Mr Julian Elcock, prosecuting said Cardiff hooligans began throwing punches at bar staff after being angered by a half-time alcohol ban.

“Mr Locke, who was in front of a sergeant, was shouting and gesticulating. He was heard to shout ‘You’re going to have it.’

“Another sergeant observed him throwing more than one punch – he was clearly intoxicated.

“One of the sergeants tried to calm down Mr Locke, who lunged at another officer. The group began singing ‘You’ll never ban a City fan.’

“He was at the front, had his arms raised as they were singing this in the form of a victorious salute.”

Locke, of Sunnybank Road, Port Talbot, who admitted violent disorder, told one officer: “It’s nothing personal, mate.”

Mr Simon Worlock, defending, said: “He was drunk in a crowd at the wrong time. This is entirely against character. He’s deeply remorseful and totally ashamed.”

Recorder Hilary Watson said the violence on the day was “the most horrific scene for anybody present.”

“You pushed the officers, you were throwing punches and shouting.”

Locke was also ordered to pay £1,264 costs.