Season 07/08 - April

Otelul Galati - Steaua Bucharest - 19/04/2008

Source : Mail

120 ultras from Steaua (Sud) meet at 07:00 pm because we want to go with some hours in Galati before the match. We arrived only one bus (60) at 13:00 and we have 4 hours to drink in the city.
When we enter in Galati, we see some local fans with flags in the front of one pub. We attack them, win some flags and go back to the bus. After 10 minutes, they come back and throw some rocks. Again, we try to have a fight but they run away. After 30 minutes of walking behind the buildings, we call them to have a fight but they refuse.

After one hour, another fight near to MC Donald's. Chairs, bottles and rocks was used by local fans. When they finish all of this, run away. Police made an intervention and use tear gas.

In the stadium, Steaua fans try to enter in local sector but police made an intervention.

Romania : Vaslui - Politehnica Iasi - 19/04/2008

Source : mail

Away fans start a fire in their sector.
A fight took place between fans of two teams in the stadium, but stewards made an intervention.

Elba TM - Rapid Bucharest (Basket) - 20/04/2008

Source : youtube + press

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T9QJm3Xv_s&feature=related

Cyprus calls crisis meeting on football hooliganism - 21/04/2008

Source : AFP

Cyprus on Monday announced plans to hold crisis talks on football hooliganism and a key semi-final match was postponed after a masked gang attacked three people outside APOEL Nicosia's fan club.

Cyprus president Demetris Christofias will chair a crisis meeting on football violence on Tuesday involving the justice minister, chief of police and attorney general.

"Certainly, tomorrow's meeting will also be about these recent incidents," said government spokesman Stephanos Stephanou.

A 27-year-old suffered a serious eye injury when three men were assaulted by a gang of more than 20 youths carrying pieces of wood and rocks outside APOEL's clubhouse early on Sunday, police said.

It is believed the trio were targeted because they were assumed to be APOEL fans because their car was parked nearby.

The gang also tried to set fire to the clubhouse and caused damage to the building's exterior. Police have arrested a person in connection with the attack.

The incident triggered a public and political outcry over the rise in football-related violence and led the police to call for the game to be postponed over fears of possible crowd trouble.

The Cyprus Football Association met on Monday and announced the semi-final between APOEL and Omonia scheduled for Wednesday would be postponed until April 30.

Omonia-APOEL derby games are fiercely contested and rarely pass without trouble among two of the best supported teams on the island.

Poland: Olimpia Elblag - Wigry Suwalki - 20/04/2008

Source: kibice.net

Millwall FC - Leeds United - 19/04/2008

Source : News Shopper

Arrests made in football disorder crackdown

A POLICE operation to crack down on football hooligans led to 23 Millwall and Leeds fans being arrested.

The arrests were made by British Transport Police (BTP) and the Met at stations across the capital on Saturday (April 19).

This included 12 people who were arrested after the match when trouble flared up at London Bridge station.

Officers taking part in Operation Era made 32 football-related arrests across the country, only nine of these did not relate to the Millwall v Leeds game.

Most of the arrests related to public order and drugs offences.

BTP Superintendent for Operations Andy Ball said: "Fans who engage in football disorder on the railways are not welcome on the railways.

"We will seek banning orders to ensure that ordinary members of the public, along with law-abiding football supporters, can travel on the railway in safety."

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Source : London SE1

12 people were arrested at London Bridge Station on Saturday when "disorder" broke out after the Milwall v Leeds United match.

The 12 arrests at London Bridge were among a total of 23 by British Transport Police in connection with the Milwall fixture.

There was a heavy police presence at London Bridge all day on Saturday as part of Operation Era, a national day of action against football disorder.

"Fans who engage in football disorder on the railways are not welcome on the railways," says Superintendent Andy Ball.

"We will seek banning orders to ensure that ordinary members of the public, along with law-abiding football supporters, can travel on the railway in safety."

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Source : Telegraph.co.uk

Millwall v Leeds is just like old times

Millwall London Bridge station, 1pm, Saturday. A sea of luminous yellow jackets blinds the eyes as police officers dominate the concourse. Dozens of young men - and some old enough to know better - are pulled aside to be questioned and searched. "It used to be like this every week," says one, nostalgically. Welcome to Millwall versus Leeds.

Forty minutes later the first Leeds coaches arrive at the Den. A few uncomplimentary hand gestures are exchanged with home supporters. Nothing like the drama seen at Elland Road last October, when some Millwall fans smashed the windows of their own buses. All is peaceful in the adjacent Millwall Cafe. No sign of rabid hooligans here. Just decent, ordinary football folk enjoying their pre-match grub.

By 2.30pm there is a more sizeable welcoming committee as another batch of Leeds coaches roll in. There are some seriously scary-looking men here now. The gesticulating and window banging is rowdier on both sides. "Go and eat your pork pies you northern b******s," shouts one comedian.

These are arguably the two most notorious sets of supporters in the country and the security operation - which spanned the length of the capital - required tactics more complex than anything seen on the pitch.

However, as the man in charge of the operation, Superintendent Brian Pearce, said: "There were probably a couple of hundred on each side looking for trouble. If you think there was a 13,000 crowd, it's not a big percentage."

If only the same could be said for all the Leeds fans. Instead the police donned their riot gear and chaperoned about 300 up to King's Cross.

Back at London Bridge, a small group of Millwall fans got themselves arrested when an entirely avoidable row with police ("we pay your wages" "why don't you sort out the immigrants") got out of hand. The public looked on bemused. Surely, they were likely to be thinking, there must be better ways to spend a Saturday evening.



The operation by numbers

375 - Metropolitan Police officers on duty, plus support from the British Transport Police and Yorkshire Police

30 - Millwall fans detained to prevent a breach of the peace

14 - arrests (both clubs) with more to follow when video footage is studied

500 - approximate number of banning orders in place on Saturday

8 - weeks spent planning the security operation

Transport Police make 30 arrests on national day of action against football disorder - 21/04/2008

Source : The Northern Echo

British Transport Police made a series of arrests during a busy weekend of football across the country, with disorder taking place after several fixtures.

More than 300 officers were out in force across the rail system monitoring fans attending matches at the weekend.

On Saturday, BTP officers took part in Operation Era – a national day of action against football disorder.

During the day 32 football-related arrests were carried out as transport police monitored fans travelling to and from 42 fixtures across the country. Most arrests related to public order and drugs offences.

BTP worked hand in hand with colleagues from a number of forces throughout the country to ensure a joined up operation.

The Leeds v Millwall fixture proved busy with 23 arrests at stations across London. A group of 120 known hooligan supporters from Leeds were escorted by police from central London to South Bermondsey. After the match a total of 12 people were arrested after disorder broke out at London Bridge station.

BTP Superintendent Operations Andy Ball said police would be seeking banning orders against those arrested for football disorder.

He said: "Fans who engage in football disorder on the railways are not welcome on the railways. We will seek banning orders to ensure that ordinary members of the public, along with law-abiding football supporters, can travel on the railway in safety."

In the North-West, officers made two arrests while policing fans travelling to the Blackburn v Manchester United fixture. One person was arrested for public order, one arrested for class A drugs and five received cannabis street warnings.

Operation Shield, the mobile metal detecting arch aimed at cracking down on knife-carrying on the railways, was deployed at Manchester Victoria station. More than 460 people passed through the arch. One knife was found discarded and recovered by police. The arches were also deployed at Reading station.

Meanwhile, officers policing West Ham v Derby match arrested one person for section 5, and a Nottingham Forest fan was arrested at Nottingham station for common assault and public order offences.

In the North East five arrests were made on Saturday, two of which involved a violent disorder on a train at Doncaster which involved a fight between four males. Police also made two arrests at Sheffield and one arrest at Middlesbrough for public order offences.

On Sunday, officers in the North East were faced with further reports of trouble between Newcastle and Sunderland fans after a fight broke out at Newcastle Central Station.

A group of Sunderland fans, who were taken off a train at the station due to a faulty door, crossed the tracks and began to fight with Newcastle fans on the opposite platform. One person was arrested for public order.

Police dogs were used to restore order at the station and a police escort was put in place to ensure no further disruption. The station was closed for 1 hour 15 minutes while police dealt with crowding issues.

Supt Ball said BTP would continue to hold operations targeting troublemakers to ensure public safety on match days.

"We always knew this was going to be a taxing day but we policed many matches where there was no disorder or trouble either at the ground or on the transport network and I thank those fans.

"However, the arrests made were against persons committing offences and we will pursue these through the courts to get them banned from attending or going anywhere near football matches. We will continue to hold operations to target disorder linked to football and so strive for a safer transport network for all who wish to travel to watch football."

French football hooligans’ most offensive banners - 21/04/2008

Source : observers.france24.com


"Paedophiles, unemployed and inbred: Welcome up north"

A group of Parisian football supporters responsible for a banner that accused their opponents of being "paedophiles and inbred" has been ordered to disband by the French interior minister.

The banner that lead to the dissolution, announced last Thursday, was aimed at Paris Saint-Germain's opponents Lens, a northern city from the industrial region inhabited by "Ch'tis", the term for the residents of this poor and underdeveloped area of France, the subject of recent film called "Bienvenue Chez Les Ch'tis" (roughly translating to "Welcome to the Sticks"), which is becoming the highest-grossing French film in history. Reading "Paedophiles, unemployed and inbred: Welcome to the Sticks", the banner was displayed at the premier league final, of which Sarkozy was in attendance. As well as disbanding the "Boulogne Boys" - who are considered one of the oldest hooligan groups in France - an inquiry into finding and punishing those responsible is underway. Here, members' (who wish to remain anonymous) reactions and a pick of other offensive messages displayed across the pitch.


"I don't know who will keep things in order in the stands now"
Julien, 23, is a supporter of Paris Saint-Germain football club. He was in the Boulogne Boys stand at the match where the anti-Ch'tis banner was displayed.

I was in the Boulogne Boys area at the league final between PSG and Lens. I was sat a few rows behind the banner but I couldn't see it because there were so many people in the pen. I only found out about it the next day in the papers. Apparently it was the Boys who did it, but those in charge of the association didn't know. It's impossible for them to control the actions of all the members- there are hundreds!
It's true that they don't manage to stop every act, like this banner. But in getting rid of the Boulogne Boys the authorities are going to lose a controlling force and a mediator. The association doesn't just organise fun aspects of matches; it also has rules. To be part of the Boulogne Boys you have to follow them.

I've seen the people in charge of the Boys throw plenty of people out of matches for bad behaviour or being rude. Now I don't know who will keep things in order in the stands. With no association the members will become independent. That's just means more uncontrollable people."


"I could tell you of worse banners"
Alexis Tgelvelis wrote a dissertation called PSG supporters: spectators, extremists and hooligans.

This type of banner has been appearing at matches for a few years now. I could give you worse examples. I remember a PSG match against Bordeaux. The Girondins [Bordeaux supporters] wrote "We rob the Boys and rape the Girls". The Girls, who make up the female members of the Boulogne Boys, responded with "You'd need a hard-on for that".
This one against the Ch'tis is not that shocking. Just vulgar. You have to put it in context. It's not a demonstration or a Nazi meeting. It's a football match. But it made the headlines just to avoid more serious subjects. Football is used to hide real problems. I really wonder why the TV channels chose to make this their top story when the members of Zoe's Ark had just been let off. Especially as France 3 took care to hide it when the match was replayed. I really do wonder what the real reasons are behind all this buzz."


"Once a Boulogne Boy, always a Boulogne Boy"
Cedric is a member of the Boulogne Boys.

Breaking up the Boys is ridiculous. Since the BB85 [Boulogne Boys] was created 23 years ago, our main objective was to support Paris Saint-Germain. Yeh, we're not always entirely politically correct, but is breaking up a group that gives the stands some structure a good idea? I seriously doubt it. It's also unfair that the whole group has to be broken up because of just a few members. This is the result of that banner. But it's not like it was an idea from those in charge. Everyone from the KOB [PSG supporters] will be mourning the oldest association of supporters in France...once a Boulogne Boy, always a Boulogne Boy."


"Misinformation, sensationalism, anti-Parisianism. Welcome to the media!" PSG supporters after the banner affair.


"Le Havre, wart of Normandy."


OM v psg : "Recruiting whores. Send in your mothers' CVs."


REIMS : "For peasants, follow the arrow." Against Sedan supporters.


PSG supporters wish good riddance to black player Weah who was leaving the club.


"Crap, inbred Saint Etienne people." Lyon supporters against Saint Etienne.


"Long live sodomisation." PSG supporters against Marseille.


"The hunt is on... Kill them!" Sainte Etienne supporters against Olympique Lyonnais.


"Le Havre, crap city."


"Ribery scares children." Nice supporters against scarred Marseille player Franck Ribéry.


"While we were inventing cinema your fathers were dying in the coalmines." From Lyon supporters to Saint Etienne fans.

Romania : Gloria Bistrita - Ceahlaul - 18/04/2008

Source : citynews.ro

In the first half, away fans was attacked by security after they refuse to remove their banners.

Sheffield United - Hull City - 19/04/2008

Source : The Star

Football fans in train fight

Two men were arrested following an incident of football related disorder on a train near Doncaster following Saturday's derby match between Sheffield United and Hull City.
The incident occurred as the Northern Rail service between Sheffield and Beverley approached Doncaster station when it is alleged that the men were involved in a fight on board.

One of the men, aged 39, from Hull, was removed from the train at Doncaster and arrested for assault while the other man, aged 51, also from Hull was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder when the train arrived at Hull.

Both men have been bailed by British Transport Police.

Latics fan banned for three years - 22/04/2008

Source : Wigan Today

Wigan Athletic fan who hurled abuse at rival supporters has been hit with a three-year football ban.
Peter Baxter, 29, from Cadishead, Manchester was arrested on suspicion of public disorder after an incident outside Wigan North Western Railway Station on April 5.

It followed Latics' Birmingham City fixture as two groups of fans had gathered outside the station.

British Transport Police say Baxter continually shouted abuse at fans of the Blues. He was later charged with a public order offence.

He was sentenced by Wigan magistrates to a three-year football banning order, a fine of £145 and was ordered to pay £45 costs.

Sgt Andy Tomkins of the British Transport Police at Wigan said: "This sentence underlines BTP's commitment to tackle football related disorder on the railways.."

Hooligans handed red cards - 22/04/2008

Source : expressandstar.com

Two Wolves hooligans who handed themselves into police after seeing their pictures in the Express & Star have been banned from football matches for three years.

Nicholas Smith, aged 36, was told he posed a risk to the public after hurling a brick following Wolves’ clash with Stoke. He and Steve Worrall, aged 20, were involved in ugly clashes with visiting supporters after February’s fixture, which Wolves lost 4-2.Their pictures were among a police gallery of suspected hooligans in the Express & Star earlier this month.

It is understood both men handed themselves into police after spotting their faces in the paper.

After the game, Wolves fans threw bricks, narrowly avoiding drivers in Stafford Street near the university.

Mr Roger Bleazard, prosecuting at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court, yesterday said that half-bricks were being “rained” down on Stoke fans.

Smith, a storeman who has been watching Molineux games since 1992, was said to have been having a quiet drink in The Feathers pub on Molineux Street when trouble flared outside.

Smith, from Burnell Road, Admaston, Telford, told police officers that he “felt like an idiot” for leaving the pub and throwing a brick in the direction of the away supporters.

Chairman of the bench Mrs Susan Carrick told him: “This is a very serious offence which can carry a custodial sentence.

“It was in a very public place and in a group. We recognise there was some provocation, but we believe you committed this offence intentionally and you pose a risk to the general public.”

Worrall, of Brecknell Rise, Kidderminster, was said to have been part of a large group of yobs who were swearing, being abusive and throwing missiles in the Camp Street area.

He told the court: “I apologise. I had a bit to drink. It was a big derby game and things overpowered me.”

Each pleaded guilty to affray and were given a 12-month community order, told to carry out 120 hours of unpaid community work and given a three-year match ban as well as being ordered to pay £60 in costs.

Hooliganism on Vietnamese football grounds - 22/04/2008

Source : VietNamNet Bridge

It is amazing that in Vietnam, where football fans are known to be whole-hearted towards football and good-natured, hooliganism exists.

In the past one year, three fights have been reported on football grounds. The latest scuffle occurred at Vinh Stadium in the central province of Nghe An on April 12, where local fans attacked guest fans from Hanoi.

The violence at Vinh Stadium was condemned by true football fans. The case blemishes the image of Vietnamese football, which is trying to integrate into world football. The case also exposed the fact that hooliganism has appeared in Vietnam.

Within the past year, three cases of violence cases have been reported at football grounds in Vietnam.

The first in Thanh Hoa on August 12, 2007, the second in Hanoi on January 13, 2008 and the third in Nghe An on April 12, 2008.

In the first case, after Thanh Hoa’s goalkeeper Manh Ha was injured by Song Lam Nghe An’s striker Cong Vinh, Thanh Hoa football fans threw bottles, bricks and stones onto the football ground.

Hundreds of hooligans chased after guest players immediately after they left the stadium gate. Football star Cong Vinh had to hide himself in a house nearby while some players of Song Lam Nghe An were injured. The chief referee of the match, Duong Van Hien, had to hide himself for over two hours on the local team’s campus.

In the second case, though Thanh Hoa’s fans numbered around 1,000, they were attacked by a small group of fans of Hanoi ACB, the host team. Hanoian hooligans beat guest fans with iron sticks.

However, these are only the most prominent cases. Fans of many other teams have reported violence on football grounds, for example fans of Hp, Boss Binh Dinh and Dam Phu My Nam Dinh.

The question is, what will the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and football clubs do to prevent hooliganism?

Aston Villa football fan arrested on suspicion of murder - 21/08/2008

Source: The Times

A football fan was being questioned today on suspicion of murder after a man was hit by a car outside a Premier League football ground.

The 26-year-old victim suffered fatal injuries when he was struck by a Volkswagen Golf outside Villa Park in Aston, Birmingham, after Aston Villa’s 5-1 defeat of Birmingham city yesterday.

There were initial reports that the suspect and the victim were supporters of the two rival Birmingham teams. But police later confirmed today that both men involved were Aston Villa fans.

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: “The motive for the incident is unclear at this stage and we are continuing to investigate.”

The identity of the suspect has not been released.

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said yesterday: “On arrival at the scene, crews found a man that had been in collision with car.

“Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of ambulance crews and then hospital staff, nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead shortly after arrival at hospital.”
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Source: BBC

Three arrested over fan's death

Police investigating the murder of a football fan who was fatally struck by a car after the Birmingham derby have arrested three men.

Aston Villa fan Christopher Priest, 26, of Sutton Coldfield, died in City Hospital after being hit in Aston Hall Road by a Volkswagen Golf on Sunday.

Mother Barbara said he was a "wonderful son and didn't deserve this."

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder while another man is suspected of assisting an offender.

A 20-year-old Aston Villa fan was arrested shortly after the incident on Sunday.

Then in the early hours, Kent Police arrested a 21-year-old man from Birmingham on suspicion of murder and a 29-year-old man from Solihull.

Mrs Priest said her son would be "sadly missed by me, his dad Lee, sister Natalie and all his family."

Mr Priest died after watching his team beat Birmingham City 5-1.

Grasshoppers Zurich - FC Zurich - 20/04/2008

Source: mail (thanks to the sender)

During the match, FCZ Ultras showed stolen banners from Grasshoppers supporters.

Neuchâtel Xamax - FC Sion - 20/04/2008

Source: mail (thanks to the senders)

Fanati'x Xamax with stolen Red Side banner.

NHL: Riots after Montreal Canadiens - Boston Bruins - 21/04/2008

Source: CNN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5ei1EMpDd0

Source: http://www.20min.ch

After Montreal's victory against Boston, trouble erupted in the city centre. Several fans smashed windows and attacked police forces. Three police cars burned out completely. According to police spokesman Annie Lemieux, 16 persons were arrested. Nobody was injured.

Toulouse FC - Bordeaux - 20/04/2008

Source: mail

Source: La Depêche du Midi (local newspaper)





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Source :mail

Before the game, a fight occured in Toulouse city center (80 Bordeaux vs 30 Toulouse fans). It lasted for few minutes and was stopped by the OB.

Serbian madness scars futsal game - 24/04/2008

Source : di-ve.com

The shocking scenes at the Corradino Pavilion on Thursday - when the top division futsal final was being played - may have surprised many local football fans. The game was halted seven minutes from the end after the European Pilot Academy - a team made up mostly of Malta-based Serbian men – who were 6-3 down succeeded to cut the deficit.

The trouble started when Serbian fans decided to light up a number of flares indoors and threw them on the pitch.

Seemingly not content enough with this, they also invaded the pitch to celebrate.

Futsal national coach Michal Striz, who was watching on the stands, went to calm them down but all hell broke lose as the hooligans assaulted the Czech Republic coach.

At this point, the police had to intervene and contained the hooligans.

A spokesperson for the police told www.di-ve.com that a number of Serbian people are expected to be arraigned in court in the coming days.

Hooligans may face prison over football game violence - 25/04/2008

Source : Chester Chronicle

FOOTBALL hooligans have been told they could be jailed for their roles in disturbances at the first game of the season.

When Chester City welcomed Chesterfield FC on August 11 last year for a League Two opener that ended in a 0-0 draw, fans of both sides clashed and scores were arrested.

On Monday, five Chester City supporters and 16 Chesterfield FC fans appeared together at Chester Crown Court to face charges of affray.

Adam Futcher, 21, of Greenfields, Upton, Brian Curtis, 39, of Browning Close, Blacon, and Dale Cooper, 22, of Olivia Street, Bootle, all pleaded guilty to affray at Chester Crown Court on Monday.

They will be sentenced on June 12.

John O’Hanlon, 21, of New Hall Road, Upton, pleaded not guilty to a charge of affray and will face trial at Chester Crown Court on May 1.

Keith Morgan, 17, from Lache has been sent to youth court for sentencing.

Of the 16 Chesterfield fans arrested, 12 pleaded guilty to affray and four pleaded guilty to public order offences.

The 19 men will be sentenced at Chester Crown Court on June 12 and 13.

O’Hanlon denied affray and will return to Crown Court for trial on May 6.

Plymouth Argyle - Preston North End - 19/04/2008

Source : Plymouth Evening Herald

ARGYLE DEFEND CLUB STEWARDS

Argyle have mounted a robust defence of their stewarding policy after complaints by visiting and home supporters of 'ruthless' treatment at last weekend's clash with Preston North End at Home Park.

Claims that visiting supporters were unnecessarily manhandled and violently ejected from the Barn Park End have surfaced following the 2-2 draw between the Pilgrims and Lilywhites last Saturday.

Several Preston fans were ejected by stewards during the Pilgrims' penultimate home game of the season for standing in the seated area, which is illegal.

One man was charged by police and three more were arrested.

But fans from both camps have contacted Herald Sport to vent their anger at what they perceive was excessive force from stewards.

It is alleged by fans in the away end and nearby who witnessed the incidents that stewards exceeded their brief, while others complained that on-duty police should have intervened.

Visiting fan Alexandra Wolstenholme said many Preston supporters had been left 'gobsmacked' at watching stewards 'wrestle North End fans out of the ground'.

She claims visiting fans had been 'dragged down the stand steps' after failing to comply with the legal statute of not standing in a seated area.

Wolstenholme said: "The actions of the stewards in the away end was disgusting.

"I have worked in the nightclub business and have never seen door staff act in such a ruthless way.

"I feel such behaviour by stewards must not be allowed to continued."

However, the Pilgrims insist they have yet to receive one complaint about their stewards' behaviour following the encounter.

A club spokesman said the club were scrupulous in vetting potential stewards, but would investigate any complaints received from the public.

"We can only deal with complaints to us about our stewarding policy as and when we receive them," a club spokesman told Herald Sport.

"However, I am not aware of receiving any complaints from the public concerning last Saturday's home game with Preston and am not able to comment specifically on these allegations.

"What I can assure people is that all our stewards are highly trained and vetted by us before we employ them.

"Hiring stewards for home matches is an on-going process and we are currently advertising for new stewards.

"I'm sure most people will realise that being a steward is a difficult job.

"Standing in a seated area is illegal and Plymouth Argyle, like all other football clubs, have a duty to care towards spectators. But if supporters feel they have a grievance coming out of a home match, we will consider them."

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POLICE: 'NO EVIDENCE OF ANY MISBEHAVIOUR BY STEWARDS'

Police today spoke out to defend Plymouth Argyle stewards who have been accused of being overly aggressive towards fans at Home Park.

City officers said they had been content and even impressed by the standard of stewarding at the Charlton and Preston games over the past couple of weeks.

Visiting supporters claimed that they were unnecessarily manhandled and violently ejected from the Barn Park End.

Several Preston fans were ejected by stewards during the Pilgrims' penultimate home game of the season for standing in the seated area, which is illegal.

One Preston fan claimed that visiting supporters had been 'dragged down the stand steps' by stewards.

But Supt John Green, police commander at the Argyle game, said: "I was impressed with the way the stewards at Home Park conducted themselves and the professionalism they showed in dealing with incidents that occurred during the course of the match.

"I have spoken with representatives at Plymouth Argyle and expressed my opinions to them."

Football liaison officer, PC Geoff Anderson, added: "I am aware that there has been various comments made to the press recently regarding alleged 'heavy handedness' by stewards at Home Park, and allegations about potential assaults by the stewards.

"We review all CCTV tapes following all matches at Home Park and, if we have evidence of offences being committed, we will deal with the perpetrators accordingly. I can confirm that there is no evidence of any misbehaviour, certainly by club stewards, during the past few home matches."

Plymouth Argyle said they had yet to receive any complaints about the behaviour of stewards.

Valencia CF - Getafe CF - Copa del Rey - 16/04/2008

Source : Corbis

Tension mounting as PSG aim to stave off relegation in French league - 24/04/2008

Source : The Canadian Press

Paris Saint-Germain's home match against Auxerre on Saturday will go a long way toward deciding the fate of the club and its coach Paul Le Guen.

Defeat for struggling PSG would push it even closer to relegation, and Le Guen's tenure as coach would likely end after two seasons spent scrapping near the foot of the table.

Following a crushing 3-0 loss at Caen last weekend, PSG is in 18th place with 35 points - three points away from safety with only four games remaining.

Although PSG president Alain Cayzac resigned Monday, that did little to ease tensions.

Some PSG fans made their feelings clear by vandalizing the training ground, and smashing up defender Sylvain Armand's Porsche.

After one training session this week, a heavy police presence was needed to control some 200 fans who jeered and insulted the players - with the exception of Pauleta, who was applauded.

Some broke through police lines and aimed punches and kicks at the team bus. Others sprayed the walls of the Camp des Loges training complex with menacing slogans, and the atmosphere could get even more hostile if PSG loses to Auxerre.