Season 07/08 - October

Inter Milan stand closed for offensive banners - 16/10/2007

Source : Reuters

Part of the San Siro stadium will be closed for Inter Milan's next Serie A home game as punishment for offensive banners their fans displayed during Napoli's visit 10 days ago.
"Fans of the host club grouped in the second tier of the north stand showed large banners with statements insulting to the rival fans and, above all, their city of origin," the Italian Soccer League said in a statement on its Web site (www.lega-calcio.it).
"In the second half chants of a similar derogatory tone were heard from the same sector of the stadium."
One of the banners read: "Naples, Sewer of Italy".
As a result the second tier of the San Siro's north stand, the Curva Nord, will be empty for Genoa's visit on Oct. 31.
Inter were also fined 30,000 euros.
Napoli fans had been banned from travelling to the Oct. 6 game, which champions Inter won 2-1, because it was considered a high-risk encounter but around 1,000 of them still managed to buy tickets.

Russia - England - 17/10/2007

Source : terrace.splinder.com



A spokesman said two of the fans - among 4,000 in the city - had been treated and released and the two others were expected to leave hospital later.

None of the supporters are thought to have suffered serious injuries.

A total of 6,000 police officers will be stationed around the stadium on Wednesday to prevent crowd trouble.

According to police in Moscow, officers are now guarding the hotel where many of the England fans are staying.

Crucial game

Moscow deputy police chief Yevgeny Gildeyev told the AFP news agency that five clashes between Russians and England fans had been reported on Tuesday night.

He said five Britons had been hospitalised with "various injuries" and a 25-year-old Moscow resident had been arrested suspected of being involved in one of the beatings.

He also appealed for supporters not to antagonise each other.

"We appeal both to Russian and English supporters not to show any inappropriate behaviour towards each other, either inside or outside the stadium," he said.

The authorities have prepared a massive security operation to try to prevent violence in and around the Luzhniki stadium.

England need a draw to go through to the final stage of the tournament next year while Russia need to win to progress.

Russia has some of the most feared football fans in Europe and a problem with organised hooliganism.

When Russia lost to Japan in the 2002 World Cup football fans rioted in the centre of Moscow, burning cars and smashing shop windows. Two people were killed.

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Source : Dpa

England fans injured ahead of Euro-qualifier in Russia

Nine England fans have been injured by Russian hooligans ahead of a Euro 2008 qualifier between the two nations in Moscow, the Interfax news agency quoted police as saying on Wednesday. A police spokesman was quoted as saying that one of the victims was in hospital with a fractured skull.

A huge security operation with some 6,000 riot police on the streets is in force around Wednesday night's game. If England win, it eliminates Russia and qualifies for the Euro 2008 finals.

England fans have been advised by the British embassy to keep a low profile in Moscow, with Russian hooligans among the worst in Europe these days.




VIDEO:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ykWo_elqeBI

Bundesliga to show red card to racism - 17/10/2007

Source : AFP

The Bundesliga's 36 clubs will unite for the next two rounds of the competition to show racism a collective red card, the German Football League (DFL) announced on Wednesday.

Before this weekend's 18 first and second Bundesliga games, all players, trainers and referees involved will each hold up a red cardboard placard in a symbolic gesture to "give racism the red card".

The initiative, to promote tolerance and respect in football, is part of a movement across the continent called Football against racism in Europe (FARE).

"Millions of fans follow the Bundesliga week after week, supporting the stars of their club, regardless of their origin or colour," said DFL president Reinhard Rauball.

Fans at all Bundesliga games this weekend and next will be handed red placards and invited to join in the gesture before kick-off.

Certain areas of Germany, particularly in the former GDR, have encountered problems with racism.

In September 2006, Schalke 04 striker Gerald Asamoah was the target of racist abuse during a game against Hansa Rostock.

The German Football Federation (DFB) ordered Rostock to pay a record fine of 20,000 euros.

Derby support football's anti-racism campaign - 17/10/2007

Source : Daily Mail

Derby County will use their match against Everton to support football's anti-racism campaign.

The Premiership game on October 28 will be one of 1,000 events taking place across the country during the Kick It Out week of action.

Eastern European communities in Derby will join one of sports most prominent campaigns by taking part in the One Game, One Community Week of Action.

Derby County Football in the Community have been awarded a Community Chest grant from Kick It Out, football's anti-racism campaign, and the Football Foundation, the UK's largest sports charity.

The funding has been awarded as part of the One Game, One Community Week of Action and will fund a project reaching out to Eastern European communities in Derby through football. Practical coaching sessions will be delivered, with the intention of producing 20 FA qualified Level One coaches from the community.

Grants have been awarded to groups in some of the most deprived areas of the country to organise events and activities as part of the week. The activities being supported include youth forums, exhibitions, educational programmes and anti-racism themed football tournaments.

Simon Carnall, Derby County's Head of Community, says: “Once again we're very proud to be supporting One Game, One Community and the excellent work of Kick It Out.

“However, although this is a week of action that is good in raising the profile of all issues involved the Rams are fully committed to a zero tolerance policy on racism 24/7, not just during the week of action.”

Piara Powar, Director of Kick It Out, explains: “It's great to see groups across the country getting involved in the Week of Action and actively backing the message One Game, One Community.

“Derby Football in the Community have a great project planned during the Week of Action. We are particularly pleased to be funding ideas from community groups that will have a direct benefit in their localities.”

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, adds: “It is excellent news that Derby Football in the Community have been awarded a Football Foundation and Kick It Out grant to take part in this year's Week of Action.

“Sport has the power to unite people and this great project will ensure Derby joins towns and cities across the country in building a more tolerant and fair society.”

'Suicide Squad' member given 4-year football ban - 17/10/2007

Source : This Is Lancashire

A SELF-CONFESSED former football hooligan has had his banning order preventing him from attending matches extended for a further four years.

Andrew 'Pot' Porter, 41, of Parliament Street, Burnley, a founding member of Burnley's Suicide Squad, is not allowed to enter Burnley town centre or the vicinity of Turf Moor within three hours either side of a match.

Police applied for the new order after a previous three-year ban on Porter watching England and domestic matches ended in June.

The civil order, handed down at Reedley Magistrates on Wednesday (October 16), also imposes the same conditions on away matches and runs out in October 2011.

The order formed part of the Operation Fixture, which started in November 2002, and targets organised football related violence and disorder across Lancashire.

Porter, who is a self-employed roofer, wrote a book called Suicide Squad detailing his exploits.

Sergeant Colin Hudson said: "We are very pleased with the order and want to send out a message that we will not tolerate football related violence in Burnley.

"The court agreed to the additional conditions because they were satisfied Porter had been involved in football related violence and disorder in the area we were seeking to ban him from.

"In November 2006 he was involved in a fight in a pub with other football supporters from the opposing team and people were injured.

"The previous order did not have any additional conditions and although he has not recently caused problems in the stadiums we know he has a propensity for getting involved in disorder near stadiums."

When the father-of-three's book was published two years ago, Porter claimed he did not set out to glamorise the violence, and said if people were offended by it, they should not read the book.

He said: "The book isn't about violence, it's about my life. I am proud of what I have done. Nobody will change the fact that I have done it."

Dale hooligans join league of shame - 19/10/2007

Source : Rochdale Online

Hundreds of football hooligans have shamed their club by being banned from games or arrested.

Figures released by the Home Office for the 2006/07 season show that Rochdale has five banning orders in place, three given out last season, and there were 10 arrests.

Football banning orders are a civil measure, designed to make it easier to stop hooligans attending games without proving criminal behaviour beyond reasonable doubt. They can last from two to 10 years,

Violence and disorder do not necessarily have to be football-related to lead to a ban and can involve behaviour that is not even a crime under British law.

That behaviour can include stirring up racial hatred, using threatening or abusive words, and even displaying abusive or insulting writing - which could include a tattoo.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said: “Football violence and disorder has no place in the modern game and we are determined to crack down on those who attempt to ruin the sport.”

The number of bans at Manchester United is the second worst in the Premiership, with 20 in 2006-07, bringing the total to 90.

In addition, 192 United fans were arrested in 2006-07 - 76 at Old Trafford and another 116 at away clashes.

Manchester City has a better record with 91 arrests last season, 48 of which were at the City of Manchester Stadium. And there are 60 banning orders are in place on City fans, 15 of them imposed last season.

18 Oldham Athletic fans were arrested - four at Boundary Park and 14 at away matches.

Nationally, the number of football hooligans arrested by police has risen for the first time in four years.

Nearly 3,800 yobs were taken into custody by officers last season, a rise of 300 or 8 per cent on the previous 12 months - the equivalent of 0.01 per cent of spectators.

Rangers - Celtic - 20/10/2007

Source : ic Scotland.co.uk

Ten arrests at Old Firm clash

Ten people were arrested at the Old Firm football match, police confirmed. Thousands of fans watched Rangers beat Celtic 3-0 in their first clash of the season.

Strathclyde Police said five arrests were for breach of the peace, two related to sectarian breach of the peace, and three were for minor disorder offences.

They said fans were otherwise well-behaved during the game at Rangers' Ibrox stadium in Glasgow.

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Source : Sportinglife.com

CLUBS DENY DAMAGE AT OLD FIRM GAME

Celtic and Rangers have denied a claim that Hoops supporters caused damage to the away seating area at Ibrox during Saturday's Old Firm clash.

It had been reported that visiting fans vandalised several seats during the match which Rangers won 3-0.

However, both Glasgow giants tonight stressed that Celtic's support had no such case to answer.

Rangers' head of security and operations Kenny Scott said: "At the match on Saturday there was absolutely no malicious damage of any kind and reports to the contrary are complete nonsense."

Celtic rejected any suggestion their supporters had wilfully caused criminal damage, and chief executive Peter Lawwell commended the behaviour inside the ground.

Lawwell said: "I would like to thank Celtic supporters once again for their fantastic backing which they gave the team.

"The Celtic support is well known for their magnificent support of the team."

Holstein Kiel - VfB Lübeck II - 19/10/2007

Source : Forum

Hundred of Lubeck fans attacked locals.

FSV Zwickau - Chemnitzer FC - 20/10/2007

Source : German Press

After 50 minutes of playing, referee stopped the game for 6 minutes as Chemnitz fans threw firecrackers.
Before the game about 40/50 CFC lads caused riots, charging locals.
Police wasn't there at this time.

Ajax Amsterdam - NEC Nijmegen - 20/10/2007

Source: ajaxfotoside.nl + De Telegraaf

The day before the game, 200 Ajax fans marched agains their managers.
The day of the game, at the end, 400 of them caused troubles and police forces made interventions.

VIDEO:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFoCTIOv3h0

Poland: security for Cracovia's derby - 19/10/2007

Source: forum

Krakow Police Department wants to postpone the game because of the parliament election that will take place on Sunday, 21st October (the day after the match). The Police is afraid of not being able to secure both events one by one.
The decision will be probably made by the President of Krakow who can agree or disagree with police. Both clubs and, what's most important, Canal Plus want this game to take place on saturday, like it was scheduled.
Fans also hope the game won't be put off...

Cracovia fans plan to protest against decisions of the club's owner. They accuse him of rough dealing with them and making difficulties with watching matches in the stadium, limiting tickets, spoiling atmosphere and not respecting club's tradition. They plan to stay outside the stadium during the first half and enter after the break.

Italians declare war on hooligans and touts - 21/10/2007

Source : Irish Independent

LAST February, policeman Filippo Raciti died as he tried to quell a riot after a Serie A game between Catania and Palermo. However, his death may not be in vain, for the laws that Italy are now enforcing as a result could benefit football worldwide.

The missile hurled by a football hooligan, which exploded in Raciti's face, set off a reaction which still reverberates around Italian football grounds. When policemen are killed, the law always acts swiftly and forcefully, and such has been the case after Raciti's death.

Italian lawmakers moved initially in 2005 to curb the hooliganism which has been a blight on their beloved calcio, but their laws were not implemented and it's only through the death of Raciti that they are at last being enforced. Interestingly, these laws could also spell an end to that other bete noire of football fans and officialdom: the ticket tout.

On a recent holiday to Pisa, I went along to the Stadio Garibaldi and discovered that I couldn't buy a ticket for their Serie B game against Ascoli. It was easier to see the city's leaning tower than it was to see its football team.

It wasn't that the game was a sell-out; it was just my failure to conform with the new law regarding purchase of match tickets. Knowledge of this law is not as widespread among Italians as it should be, for during the previous week I had asked a number of people if it would be possible to buy a ticket for the game at the entrance and I was assured it would.

However, the law requires that all tickets be bought at least a day before the game so that the purchaser's name can be printed on it. Then, on arrival at the stadium, ID must be produced before the bearer is admitted.

It seems such an obvious solution to the twin evils of hooligans and touts that the wonder is it hasn't been tried before. No doubt the rest of the world is watching to see whether this experiment succeeds, and already there are dissenting voices, with some fans protesting that the innocent are being victimised. Not everybody has access to a ticket seller, but purchases over the internet should iron that out.

No one wants to return to the violence of the last few seasons, and so far this season the enforcement of the law has been effective in that regard. However, two of its biggest tests occur this weekend, with the thrilling Roma-Napoli game last evening, and Livorno-Lazio this afternoon.

In a survey on groups of fans likely to cause trouble conducted by La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Roma have seven of these so-called ultra groups, while Napoli have four. Lazio have a group of extreme right-wing fans, while Livorno's are extreme left-wing.

Police information on these groups claims that there are a total of 529 in Italy, of which 268 have political leanings. However, their main target, we are told, is to take on the forces of law and order.

A disturbing trend has been the cross-border activities of European troublemakers. Fans from Nice have travelled to San Remo, Hamburg fans attended the Genoa 'derby', and Croatians mingled with the ultras of Trieste. All of which prompted the Italian authorities to acknowledge that, while there are fewer incidents in the stadiums, it is too soon to lower its guard or to claim victory.

The Pisa-Ascoli game saw nine arrests, eight of them Ascoli supporters. When they were subsequently charged, one of them proved to be a former Serie A footballer whose claim to fame was that he once marked the legendary Roberto Baggio.

Ten days ago police forces from across the EU atteneded a two-day seminar in Rome at which there was an exchange of information. "The intention is to analyse this information and decide what should be best practice for domestic football throughout the EU," said Inspector Tony Gallagher, who was representing the Gardaí.

A further seminar is planned next month in Brussels, with the possibility of legislation by March. Already the vibes are that the Italian solution, which puts more emphasis on stewards controlling crowds with the police in a back-up role, could be adopted as the basis for any new EU laws.

If the Italian law solves the hooligan and tout problems there, will FIFA press for its introduction worldwide? Don't hold your breath, as touting has been linked to high FIFA officials in the past, and it is one perk they may not want to part with.

SK Lokeren - RSC Charleroi - 20/10/2007

Source: forum

At the end of the game, about 10 visitors fought with about 20 locals.
Fight took place for 1 minute before police forces arrived.
One arrested on both sides.

Manchester City - Birmingham City - 20/10/2007

Source: forums + press

It seems this game was the Zulus' 25th anniversary so they went to Manchester with loads of lads (300-400).
Locals had also big numbers.
Troubles erupted inside the stadium (provocations) and outside where police forces have lost control and used horses.





VIDEOS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H_IEFgXutU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvzwBAckplw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qS6iSLKYuQ

FC Winterthur - Grasshopper Zurich - Cup - 20/10/2007

Source : PN.ch

Winterthur local police forces have arrested 2 Zurich fans, aged 20 and 25, who assaulted a local fan near a bus stop.
Victim, aged 23, was incousciounes when police forces arrived. He was transfered at hospital.
At the end of the game, police forces made an intervention between 150 GC fans, including 15 well know hooligans, and local fans.

TSG Hoffenheim - 1. FC Kaiserlautern - 19/10/2007

Source : ZDFheute.de

New troubles in Germany.
This time caused by FCK fans who made many many damages before the game.

Rosario Central - Velez Sarsfield - 20/10/2007

Source : Diario Hoy

Violent fights took place between fans from Rosario. Both groups try to take control of the stands.
Three fans were transfered to hospital.
About 30 fans were also arrested.

FC Nürnberg - Eintracht Frankfurt - 20/10/2007

Source : Nordbayern.de

After the game, around 150 Nürnberg fans tried to attack the Frankfurt fans, police intervened and used pepper spray. 5 Frankfurt fans were injured.

Laferrere - Colegiales - 14/10/2007

Source : minutouno.com

Local fans clashed with the police. 8 fans were injured.

Swedish police arrest 85 football hooligans after violent fights unrelated to game - 21/10/2007

Source : The Associated Press

Police in southern Sweden have arrested 85 people for assault and incitement of riots after violent clashes between more than 100 football hooligans from Denmark and Sweden in the town Astorp, apparently unrelated to any soccer game.

Police spokesman Mikael Persson said supporters of Stockholm-based soccer team Hammarby IF and southern team Helsingborgs IF had gathered in the town to fight and that Danish soccer hooligans had also joined in.

Apart from several assault charges, one man may also be charged for attempted manslaughter, or attempted aggravated assault, after trying to hit three police officers with his car, while escaping from the clashes.

Two people were taken to hospital with broken legs.

The exact number of Danes involved and which team they support remains uncertain, Persson said.

He also said the reason for the fight was unclear, considering there had been no game between Hammarby and Helsingborg. However, Hammarby will play Helsingborg's southern peer Trelleborgs FF later Sunday.

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Source: Xinhua

Swedish police arrest 100 football hooligans

Seven people have been detained in custody following a fight between rival groups of football hooligans in southern Sweden on Sunday.

Police arrested a total of 100 people, most of whom were released during the night, Swedish news agency TT reported.

The arrests were made after a group of hooligans from Denmark, Stockholm and Helsingborg converged on Astorp for a pre-arranged fight.

"One of the people in custody is suspected of attempted homicide, while the others are suspected of assault," said police spokesman Lennart Hornemark.

Police were aware of the hooligans' plans but delayed their intervention in order to be able to document any eventual crimes.

Two people were left needing hospital treatment for injuries sustained in the fight, according to TT.

Raja - WAC - 22/10/2007

Source : Panapress

Moroccan arch-rivals suspended over violence

Moroccan clubs, Raja and Wydad, both of Casablanca, will not play at Mohammed V sports complex for their next two matches following the incident that occurred Saturday during the quarter finals of the Throne Cup.

In a release issued here Tuesday, the central discipline commission of the Moroccan Royal Football Federation (FRMF), which took the decision, also suspended for three matches, Raja player Khalid Sbai who was sent off during the match "for insulting the referee."

The commission further asked the federal board to take severe sanctions against fans of the two clubs if their responsibility in the event is "established."

Over 100 vehicles and the terraces of the Stadium as well as some property were damaged during the "acts of vandalism" by fans during the derby match.

The match which was won 2-0 by Wyadd was watched by over 60,000 spectators.

29 football fans on trial in Sweden on rioting, assault charges - 23/10/2007

Source : AP

Twenty-nine football fans appeared in a Swedish court Monday to face rioting and assault charges in what court officials called the country's biggest hooligan trial.
The defendants, all supporters of Stockholm club AIK, are accused of fighting in the stands during two Swedish league matches in 2004 and 2005. Four other defendants in the case are due in court next week.
The fans, aged 18 to 40, could face fines or prison terms of up to four years if convicted. All have pleaded not guilty.
Most of the charges stem from an October 2004 match between AIK and local rival Hammarby that was interrupted for 45 minutes after AIK fans clashed with police who stopped then from entering the field.
Ten of the defendants were charged in connection with a brawl during a 2005 match between AIK and GAIS in Goteborg.

«As far as I know, this is the biggest trial of its kind in Sweden,» Solna district court spokesman Richard Henriksson said, adding the trial was expected to last until Nov. 19.

Raja, Wydad hit with stadium ban - 24/10/2007

Source : BBC Sport

Moroccan sides Raja and Wydad have been banned from playing before their home fans, for two matches each, due to acts of vandalism.

The Moroccan Football Federation imposed the ban after violence erupted during the Casablanca derby between the two teams on 20 October.

This means the Mohamed V stadium, shared by Raja and Wydad, would be closed for the next two league matches involving each team.

The two clubs will play their next two home matches behind closed doors.

Fans threw firecrackers and tore up seats before, during and after the match, causing huge repair costs, the federation said.

There were also numerous arrests with 27 people, including 16 minors, stopped for vandalism.

APOEL Nicosia - Apollon Limassol - 21/10/2007

Source : Cyprus Mail + Press

Hooligans target Apollon chairman’s car

THE CAR of Apollon Limassol Chairman Frixos Savvides was attacked by vandals on Monday night while he was talking on a television chat show in Limassol.

Savvides, who took over as chairman of Apollon football club last year, was appearing as a guest on the Limassol TV station’s sports show when vandals battered his car with rocks. He found his smashed up car when he went to leave at around 9pm.

The bonnet and windshield were damaged by rocks. The exact cost of the damage has not yet been estimated.

Savvides saw his side’s match with APOEL in Nicosia called off at half-time on Sunday after Apollon fans began hurling rocks, flares and plastic pipes at APOEL goalkeeper Jane Nikoloski.

The Apollon Chairman had hit out at some of the fans, whom he accused of “trying to destroy everything the club was trying to build”, but also accused referee Stelios Tryfonos of “wrongfully” calling off the game.

Speaking to reporters after the attack on his car, Savvides said: “If the whole of Apollon with so many fans, cannot find these people, then we might as well just pack up and go home.”

It is thought the vandalism against his car may be associated with comments he made against the trouble caused by some of Apollon’s fans.

The trouble began after APOEL’s Helio Pinto – a former Apollon player – scored the opening goal after 30 minutes.

The disgruntled Apollon fans then began pelting the APOEL goalkeeper when Nicos Machlas made it 2-0 six minutes later.

The referee eventually called off the match at the end of the half.

"We had warned that matches would be interrupted [if violence breaks out]," said Police Chief Iacovos Papacostas in a radio interview yesterday.

"Before the start of the game, we found flares and other items. You can be sure we will be stricter in future."

The Cyprus Football Association (CFA) sporting tribunal is scheduled to convene next week to decide on the punishment and whether to hold another game or award the match to APOEL.

Ipswich Town - Colchester - 23/10/2007

Source : Suffolk Evening Star

Match hooligans thwarted by police

Police at last night's derby between Ipswich and Colchester
A MAJOR police operation to prevent trouble at the Ipswich and Colchester derby was today hailed a success.

In all, 11 football fans were arrested for minor offences before and after last night's crunch Championship fixture at Portman Road, in which the home side triumphed 3-1.

Around 100 officers from Suffolk police and another five from Essex ensured a potentially volatile match passed without notable incident.

Specialist “spotters” were used to identify known hooligans, who were monitored closely throughout the evening.

Supporters were arrested for trying to enter the stadium drunk, drinking alcohol in view of the pitch and minor public order offences, while one fan was arrested for attempting to get on to the pitch.

Police discovered a metal bar near to the Willis building in Franciscan Way, which they believe had been brought into the town centre to be used as a weapon.

Inspector Matthew Rose said the threat of violence had been severely dampened by the heavy police presence.

He said: “Our primary focus was on crowd safety and the fact there have been some arrests for minor public order and alcohol-related offences has ensured the huge majority of fans had an enjoyable evening.

“I think we got the numbers of officers about right. We needed enough staff to cope with any contingency.”

The Colchester fixture, along with the Norwich derby and the match with Cardiff, attracts the most police attention.

Two pubs which traditionally welcome away fans, The Station Hotel and The Drum and Monkey, were packed in the hours leading to kick-off.

However, both stopped serving at 7.05pm and were not open after the match, while alcohol was not on sale in the visiting section of the stadium.

After the final whistle, large numbers of supporters from both teams congregated at the railway station to wait for the 10.08pm train, although there were no incidents of disorder.