Season 07/08 - April

Feyenoord Rotterdam - Roda JC Kerkrade - Cup - 27/04/2008

Source: http://www.nu.nl

Small troubles after finalcup game

Immediately after the game, Feyenoord fans took the road of the city center were police forces charged a group of fans who caused troubles.

Mansfield owner vows to sell despite 'fan attack' - 28/04/2008

Source : guardian.co.uk

After being attacked by an irate fan in his own boardroom, the Mansfield Town owner Keith Haslam has insisted he still intends to sell the club. Haslam's plans have angered supporters and, after Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Rotherham all but confirmed the club's relegation from League Two, the owner was barricaded into his director's area by police and stewards.

Following loud protests for Haslam to quit, including a half-time pitch invasion, three fans are thought to have forced their way into the boardroom after the final whistle, where one allegedly assaulted the club owner.

Haslam, who suffered minor head injuries and was admitted to hospital, said: "I am fine. I am shaken, yes, but I am not too bad. Obviously I cannot talk about the incident." But, despite the fans' objections to his proposals to sell, he insisted that his plans have not changed. "I want to sell, this has not changed that," he told the Mansfield Chad.

Police confirmed that a 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault. He was questioned in relation to the incident at Mansfield police station on Sunday.

"We are all shocked," said the club's chief executive, Stephen Booth. "Keith is obviously very shaken by it. How can you justify behaviour like that? The girls working in the boardroom are very distressed and upset."

Mansfield will drop out of league football on Tuesday should fellow strugglers Chester draw with Stockport.

Universitatea Craiova - Steaua Bucharest - 26/04/2008

Source : mail

When Steaua score first and second goal some problems between away fans and stewards.

In the last minutes of the game, some of local fans try to enter on the pitch after referee sent off one of their players.
Stewards and police made a intervention.

Sheffield United - Bristol City - 26/04/2008

Source : The Star

18 arrested following Blades game

A POLICE operation resulted in 18 arrests following Sheffield United's last home game of the season on Saturday.
While Blades fans celebrated their final victory of the season at Bramall Lane, police escorted more than 150 defeated Bristol City fans back to the train station to prevent disorder.

In total 15 people were arrested for public order offences and two for assault – four from Sheffield and the rest from Bristol.

A final man was arrested in connection with an ongoing inquiry into disorder at the Steel City derby on Tuesday April 8.

Celtic Glasgow - Glasgow Rangers - 27/04/2008

Source: Derry Today

Celtic fans defend Rangers supporters:Airport 'Old Firm' fracas

LOCAL Glasgow Celtic fans came to the aid of rival Rangers supporters at City of Derry Airport on Sunday evening following a nasty post-match confrontation.
The two sets of fans had just touched down at the local airport after attending that day's Old Firm derby in Glasgow when things turned ugly.

The stand-off outside the airport terminal quickly descended into fisticuffs and, at one point, airport security were forced to intervene in an effort to separate rival groups

One of the local Rangers fans caught up in the melee told the 'Journal' that one group of Celtic fans actually "came to their aid."

"Some of the Celtic fans were having a drink with us in Glasgow and talking about the game, it was all friendly," he said. "But things took a turn for the worse on the flight home.

"We were the only three Rangers fans on the flight and Celtic fans further down the plane told fans sitting next to us not to talk to us. Then they shouted that we shouldn't be flying to Derry because we didn't have harps on our passports, and asked us why, if we were British, we 'flying to Ireland'."

The Rangers fan said one Celtic fan - who apparently overheard a conversation - warned them of plans to "get stuck into them" when the plane landed."The Celtic fans with us took the abuse first," he said. "They were told they shouldn't be drinking with us or sitting with us. Then the fans charged at us with an airport ashtray.

"We defended ourselves but it was really a case of hitting back or getting hit ourselves. Airport security staff came over and the whole thing broke up. We couldn't believe it. It wasn't kids doing this, these were grown men. But there were Celtic fans who helped us and many came over to us afterwards and said they thought it was a disgrace."

The men described the incident as "naked sectarianism."

A spokesperson for the Airport Authority explained that the matter was currently being investigated by the PSNI. The spokesperson added that it condemned all incidents of this nature.

MP Gregory Campbell said it was a traumatising experience for the fans who felt under threat.

"It's unfortunate the fans couldn't just come back from a football match and have a bit of banter," he said. "I hope both supporters' clubs and the football club can take action to prevent this and I hope the airport has put in place some precautionary measures to prevent this happening again."

It's understood police are studying CCTV footage in an effort to identify those involved in the incident.

Six Manchester United fans in court over disturbance at Blackburn Rovers game - 29/04/2008

Source : This Is Lancashire

SIX Manchester United fans have appeared in court following a large number of arrests before, during and after the game at Blackburn Rovers on April 19.

Eddie Harrison, prosecuting, told Blackburn magistrates that about 300 police officers had been deployed on the day of the match at Ewood Park on Saturday April 19 because of widespread trouble at the corresponding fixture last season.

A total of 64 fans were arrested, 61 of them United supporters.

Jonathan Slater, 32, of Ashburnham Road, Northampton, pleaded not guilty to being drunk and disorderly in the Fernhurst pub and was remanded on bail.

Christopher Walford, 18, of Cartmel Close, Winsford, Cheshire, pleaded guilty to the same charge and was given a conditional discharge for six months and ordered to pay £50 costs.

Ian Huggan, defending, said his client was currently studying for his A levels and had an offer of a place at Durham University.

"He accepts he had too much to drink and became disorderly," he added.

Marcus Webster, 18, of Highgate Lane, Stalmine, Poulton-le-Fylde, another A level student, pleaded not guilty to using threatening behaviour and was remanded on bail.

David Anthony Merrack, who was one of a number of people who ran onto the pitch when United scored a late equaliser, was not made subject to a football banning order after the magistrates accepted it had been an "isolated and impulsive" action.

Merrack, 20, a management trainee, of Chosen Drive, Churchdown, Gloucester, pleaded guilty to going onto the playing area and was fined £100 with £65 costs.

Ian Huggan, defending, said there was no risk of violence or disorder from his client in the future.

"This was a moments stupidity which was totally out of character," said Mr Huggan, who produced a bundle of character references.

"He has never been involved in any disorder before despite travelling all over the country and to European away matches to watch his team.

"At the slightest hint of trouble he moves away and that had already happened when things became a bit lively in the Fernhurst before the game."

Nikki James Benson, 19, of Whitley Road, Collyhurst, Manchester and Kyle Buckley, 18, of Manchester Road, Droylsden, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a direction given by a police officer to leave the area and not return.

They were both fined £50 with £65 costs and made subject to football banning orders for three years.

The court heard that both men got off a train at Darwen where they were confronted by police officers.

Acting on intelligence provided by Greater Manchester Police, both men were ordered to leave and put on the next train back to Manchester.

But they got off in Bolton and returned in a taxi.

They were arrested when they were seen near the ground. Neither had a ticket.

Boro fans’ anger at Tees-Wear match police - 29/04/2008

Source : Evening Gazette

BORO fans - including a magistrate - have hit out at the way they say they were treated by police in riot gear during the Wear-Tees derby.

Fans claim they were struck by batons, refused access to toilets and crushed against safety barriers when police stopped them from leaving the ground.

Trouble started 10 minutes before the final whistle when fans say police in riot gear stopped them using the concourse.

Simon Wright, 37, a performance manager from Fairfield, Stockton, was so disgusted by what he saw he has vowed never to go to another match at the Stadium of Light.

“Women and children were trying to go to the toilets prior to their return journey home and were held back on the steps by a wall of riot police,” said Simon, who travelled to the match on a supporters’ coach with his brother Mark.

“As the number of fans started to grow on the steps there was a surge forward and one man fell.

“The momentum resulted in us being pushed against the safety barrier in front of us.

“When the third crush occurred I tried to climb over the barrier. Suddenly one of the officers grabbed me and told me to get back in my seat.

“On the fourth surge the police line broke and a fight broke out between the police and some of the supporters.”

He said the fighting moved to the concourse area where some fans were hit by police with batons.

“I have been a season ticket holder for many years and have never had to endure scenes like this.”

Magistrate Mick Dobson said the police were “very, very provocative”.

“It seemed to me, in a personal opinion, and it was the same with the people around, that the police were looking for trouble.

“They were very, very intimidating in the way they were dressed - whether or not that was a tactic of the police I don’t know. Very, very provocative, pushing people about with batons and things like that. It was really, really bad to be part of that.”

Both sets of fans had been drinking in city centre pubs prior to kick-off.

Police had to use tear gas and truncheons and made 27 arrests.

Northumbria Police Superintendent Neil Mackay, head of the force’s operations unit, said the majority of fans were well behaved, but some of his officers found themselves under attack.

“My intention at any game like this is to prevent innocent fans from being injured.

“We did that, but the only way to police a match safely is to take a strong stand with some supporters.”

Boro fan Stephen Marron, 49, of Stockton told the Gazette: “I have never been manhandled so much in my whole life and I was hit by batons.

“We were coming out of the ground and I walked over to a burger van and I was just about to bite into the burger and the next thing I know four bobbies are hitting me. There were six girls screaming ‘Leave him alone’.”

Stephen, who has followed Middlesbrough since 1969, said fans were hounded by police as soon as they stepped off the train and were only allowed in certain pubs.

Boro dad Keith Richards, 28, of Netherfields, Middlesbrough, said fans were trapped in the ground for more than 30 minutes after the match had ended.

“We were aware we had to stay behind to let the Sunderland fans go, which was fair enough, but the police would not let you leave your seats. It was just ridiculous.

“The Boro fans just barged themselves out of the turnstyles.

“You could not move.”

The yardsman said small children were being put on their parents’ shoulders so they were not crushed.

“They just treated us like animals the way they kept us back.

“I know some Boro fans who will not go to the Stadium of Light and there will probably be a few more after Saturday, especially if they have got little ones.

“There is no way in the world I would take my daughter.”

Boro fan Chris Saunders said even when they got out of the ground they were boxed in by riot police.

“Men, women and children were pushed, shoved and bullied by police who when they used their batons did so with anger and venom.”

He said he was forced into the railway station even though he had arrived by the park and ride system.

“A journey that took me 10 minutes to get to the ground took me two hours on the return leg thanks to the police getting involved for no reason whatsoever.

“They came expecting trouble, and when they didn't get it they made it. As a result I was late for my work that evening. The police force in Sunderland are nothing but bullies and an absolute disgrace.

“There were women screaming, kids crying and people walking round with baton wounds. We had to keep reminding ourselves we were in Sunderland and not in Rome.”

Second group of Manchester United fans in court after Blackburn Rovers violence - 30/04/2008

Source : Lancashire Evening Telegraph

FOOTBALL fans have appeared before Blackburn magistrates after being arrested for a number of unrelated on the day of the match between Rovers and Manchester United.

In total, more than 60 fans were arrested as more than 300 police officers mounted a massive containment operation before, during and after the 1-1 draw.

The court, which had dealt with another group of fans the previous day, heard that the police action resulted from widespread violence during the corresponding fixture last season.

advertisementChristopher Bell, 40, of Hyde, Cheshire, was remanded on bail charged with assaulting a police officer and being drunk and disorderly in Jubilee Street.

Christopher Mark Dearden, 23, of Runcorn, admitted a breach of the peace and was bound over in £200 to keep the peace for 12 months. A charge of being drunk and disorderly in the Fernhurst pub was withdrawn.

Mark Anthony Fitzgerald, 19, of Stretford, was bound over in £100 to keep the peace for six months after admitting a breach of the peace. A charge of being drunk and disorderly in the Fernhurst public house was withdrawn.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Ashley Hayes, 21, of Manchester, when he failed to appear to answer a charge of being drunk and disorderly inside Ewood Park.

Postman Michael Joseph O'Shaughnessy, 32, of Crumpsall, Manchester, was fined £150 with £75 costs after pleading guilty to being drunk and disorderly on Blackburn railway station.

O'Shaughnessy became aggressive when he was challenged by police and called an officer a "jumped up little Hitler." He eventually had to be sprayed before he could be restrained.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Robert Robbins, 31, of Bearley, Stratford-Upon-Avon, when he failed to appear to answer a charge of being drunk and disorderly in the Golden Cup pub.

Darren Hopper, 19, of Droylsden, was fined £100 with £75 costs after pleading guilty to encroaching on the playing area.

The magistrates rejected an application for a football banning order after hearing Hopper had got carried away with the heat of the moment when United scored a late equaliser and found himself on the pitch.

* Alan Michael Currell, 45, of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, was remanded on bail after pleading not guilty to being drunk while entering Ewood Park.

Steven George Delfinis, 46, of Stretford, was remanded on bail after pleading not guilty to using threatening behaviour.

John Hampson, 34, of Manchester, was remanded on bail after pleading not guilty to being drunk and disorderly inside Ewood Park and assaulting a police officer.

Dale Rainford, 25, of Whalley Road, Sabden, was remanded on bail after pleading not guilty to being drunk and disorderly in Blackburn Rovers' Blues Bar.

Two more sentenced for football violence - 30/04/2008

Source : News Shopper

TWO more men have been jailed for their part in football violence on a train last year.

Last month, eight men were jailed and given football banning orders for their part in a series of random attacks on passengers on a train from Sydenham station.

Now postal worker Nicholas McGinty, aged 24, and area bank manager Adam Henry, aged 29, have been jailed for their part in the incident.

Both were arrested by British Transport Police after the incidents on September 1.

They boarded a train containing several Charlton Athletic supporters heading to a match with Crystal Palace.

McGinty, of Laurel Grove, Sydenham, and Henry, of Alfristan Close, Dartford, were part of a group of men who attacked passengers in two carriages.

advertisementA 24-year-old Charlton fan suffered a broken nose in the incident, and several other passengers were headbutted, punched and verbally abused.

As well as Charlton fans, ordinary members of the public were on board, including women, children and the elderly.

Both men pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder.

At Southwark Crown Court on April 24, they were jailed for two years each, and given six-year football banning orders.

Judge Stephen Robbins said the group gave "football a thoroughly bad name".

He said: "The message must go out violent disorder like this will result in a custodial sentence so it might act as a deterrent to others."

The ban keeps the men from attending any football match in England and Wales, and stops them travelling on trains on any day when England or Crystal Palace are playing.

They are also banned from entering any pubs in the Croydon area when Crystal Palace are at home, and they must not enter within 2,000m of any ground where the Eagles are playing on a match day.

Detective Inspector Keith Bennett from the British Transport Police said: "Law-abiding members of the public have the right to travel without fear of encountering drunken, disorderly and downright thuggish behaviour.

"The behaviour displayed on the day in question and the violence ordinary members of the public were subjected to was utterly unacceptable."

Violence spikes at Algerian football matches - 29/04/2008

Source : Magharebia.com

As the Algerian local football league nears its season's conclusion in May, violent confrontations between fans are intensifying both inside and outside the country's football pitches. Fierce competition for the title among lower division teams and battles by several premier league teams to avoid relegation have forced security forces to increase their presence at football matches.

Although JS Kabylie have already won the Algerian football premier league title this season, the competition rages on among teams at the bottom of the league rankings. Nine of the premier league's 16 teams are still fighting to avoid relegation and the intense competition has pushed some loyal fans to the breaking point.

When USM Annaba were defeated on their own pitch on April 22nd by fellow eastern Algerian team ES Setif, home fans reacted by throwing stones, damaging seats and preventing the players from leaving the field. Security forces had to intervene to disperse them. 20 fans were arrested for inciting the riots.

In another match the same day, MC Oran hosted WA Tlemcen. The home team's fans, unhappy with the 0-0 draw, fought with Tlemcen supporters outside the Habib Bouakeul stadium and in nearby streets. MC Oran fans wreaked havoc across the city for several hours, vandalising cars and shop windows, before security forces were able to stop the riot.

And on April 25th in Batna, 36 people were injured when violence broke out among fans of two teams playing for lower divisions.

This kind of violence has become common at the season's end, despite awareness campaigns launched by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Team officials regularly place signs at each match calling for sportsmanship, while players also make a point of shaking hands with the opposing team during and after matches to set an example of good conduct for their fans.

It does not always work, however. The fans' enthusiasm often leads to confrontations, injuries and damage to sports facilities.

In an attempt to pressure fans to react with good sportsmanship, the Algerian Football Federation has imposed strict penalties against teams whose pitches turn into "arenas of violence" following matches. The Federation has already imposed dozens of penalties on teams, trainers and players this season. Some say more needs to be done, however.

According to Nadjib Zouak, an expert on football affairs in Algeria, the Federation "doesn't make good co-ordination with the presidents of clubs, and…has favoured certain teams against some other teams; something that has further complicated matters." In its capacity as the official body managing football affairs, the Algerian Football Federation should do more, he argued.

The clubs must also share the blame, he said.

Calling for co-operation among club presidents to curb the phenomenon, Zouak added: "Bad co-ordination and disputes among the presidents of teams are reflected on the pitches and in the stands; something that has led to the expansion of violence on pitches."

Minute's silence for Villa fan - 30/04/2008

Source : Birmingham Mail

THOUSANDS of Aston Villa fans are set to pay tribute to "gentle giant" Christopher Priest in a poignant minute's silence before kick-off against Wigan on Saturday.

Villa fan Christopher, aged 26 and known to close friends as 'Priestley', died after a collision with a car in Aston Hall Road.

It happened as thousands of fans poured out of Villa Park following the derby game against Birmingham City.

Two men were arrested on suspicion of murder and a third was questioned by police on suspicion of assisting an offender, but all three were later released.

The Birmingham Mail revealed on Saturday that the VW Golf involved in the accident was driven by 20-year-old Villa fan Lee Mockble and two Blues fans were in the back of the car.

But police investigations showed the collision was not related to football rivalries.

Today, Aston Villa confirmed players, staff and fans will honour Chris with a minute's silence before the game.

They also revealed that Christopher's dad, Lee Priest, a lifelong Villa fan who now lives on the Isle of Wight, will be allowed to sit in his son's North Stand seat in a personal tribute.

Mr Priest said: "It means so much to the family for us to have this chance to pay tribute to Christopher.

"The minute's silence is going to be so emotional for everyone and we thank the club for doing it.

"It's what Chris would have wanted and what the family, his friends and all Villa fans expected to happen."

A spokesman for Aston Villa Football Club said: "After speaking to Christopher Priest's family, we can now confirm there will be a minute's silence before kick-off against Wigan Athletic next Saturday.

"This will give fans the chance to remember Chris and his tragic loss of life."

Six City fans charged over violence - 30/04/2008

Source : Norwich Evening News

Six Norwich City fans have been charged with violent disorder in relation to trouble following the match against Leicester City in February.

A Leicestershire police spokeswoman said more fans were expected to be charged before the six, aged between 18 and 43, appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on May 15.

Nineteen Norwich City fans were arrested following the match on February 16, which ended in a 4-0 defeat for Norwich.

Police were called to reports of fighting between rival groups of up to 30 supporters at Loseby Lane, a short distance from the Walkers Stadium.

Buildings were vandalised and some people suffered minor injuries following the trouble which was described by eye witnesses as “scary” and “like something from a film”.

About 3,000 Canaries' followers travelled to Leicester to see the match, which was the Canaries' biggest away turnout since the team lost 6-0 at Fulham in May 2005 to seal relegation from the Premiership.

Police believe some fans left the ground early and went into the city centre. There was a large police presence in the stadium and there were verbal exchanges between the two sets of fans, but no serious signs of trouble and the main disturbances were outside the ground.

The investigation is being led by Leicestershire Constabulary, assisted by Norfolk officers, with the help of Norwich City Football Club.

PSG kicked out of next season's French League Cup - 30/04/2008

Source : AFP

Paris Saint Germain will not be allowed to defend their title in next year's French League Cup after a controversial banner was displayed during last month's final, the Professional Football League (LFP) ruled on Wednesday.

But the president of the LFP disciplinary commission Jacques Riolacci said that the club would not be deducted points because the racist connotation had not been established.

"The disciplinary commission didn't find that the banner, despite shocking a lot of people, was strictly racist," said Riolacci.

A points deduction would have been disastrous for the club who are currently mired in a desperate battle against relegation from the first division.

A criminal investigation has been opened aimed at finding those responsible for "inciting hatred and violence" against northerners.

The 25-metre long banner unfurled during the second half of the match targetted inhabitants of the industrial northeast of France, home to Lens, who were contesting the final at the Stade de France, which PSG won 2-1.

"Paedophiles, unemployed, inbreds: Welcome to the home of the Ch'tis (nickname of people from northeast France)," the banner read.

On the orders of President Nicolas Sarkozy, who was attending the match, the banner was quickly removed by security forces but not before the damage was done.

The offending banner was a play on the recent box-office cinema hit "Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis" ("Welcome to the Land of the Ch'tis) which painted a rosy picture of northerners in stark contrast to the usual image of unemployed, suicidal and alcoholic folks prone to violence.

Botev Plovdiv - CSKA Sofia - 30/04/2008

Source : Reuters

CSKA Sofia clinch Bulgarian league title in empty stadium

CSKA Sofia clinched their 31st Bulgarian league title behind closed doors on Wednesday after a 3-1 win at mid-table Botev Plovdiv with three matches remaining.

No spectators watched the match as Botev were serving a two-match ban for crowd violence.

Victory secured the title as CSKA now have a 13-point lead over second-placed Levski Sofia, who have four games left.

"It's a pity that we won the title in the absence of the fans,", said CSKA coach Stoycho Mladenov told reporters.

"Football is a game for the fans and I think that the Bulgarian Football Union should reconsider its policy. No one likes to play in such silence."

Bohemians - Sparta Praha - 29/04/2008

Source : Hooligans.cz

Naftovik - Dynamo Kiev - 20/04/2008

Source : White-Blue.kiev website

Sporting - Benfica - Cup - 16/04/2008

Source : Mail

Mexico : Veracruz - Pumas - 26/04/2008

Source : Mail

http://nothingtoxic.com/media/1209419518/Riot_Cop_at_a_Soccer_Match_Takes_a_Drum_to_the_Head

Colombia : Nacional - America de Cali - 27/04/2008

Source : soydelverde.net

Italian police warn Rangers fans ahead of UEFA Cup match - 22/04/2008

Source : footylatest

The Italian police are going to introduce stringent rules to keep the Scottish fans in line ahead of the UEFA Cup semi-final in Florence on May 1st.

The Italian city's police chief (Francesco Tagliente) described the security operation surrounding the UEFA Cup semi-final as the toughest since Pope John Paul II's funeral.

The rules will include:

No spare tickets will be on sale before the match.

Bars will shut for the day.

Public transport will be stopped

He said: ""If Rangers fans do not respect our laws, we have measures in place and we will use them."

"I have made Florence the flagship city in Italy for weeding out criminals", We have never had anything like 10,000 away fans descending on the city before.

"I've not been involved in something so complex since the Pope's funeral. I was in charge of security for the 180 delegations of politicians and heads of state who came from around the world.

"From our point of view, it would probably have been easier if Sporting Lisbon had gone through. But I'm not going to be scared by this task."

"Every ticket will have the holder's name on it and they will be asked to present ID at the turnstiles to confirm who they are.

"If they have a genuine ticket but no ID, they will not be allowed in.

"Fiorentina fans cannot sell their tickets on because their name is already on the ticket and we have all but eliminated the touts here.

"Rangers fans who arrive without tickets will not find any here. They simply do not exist. The home end has been sold out for some time.

"Rangers fans will be asked for their passports at the airport and on trains. They will be photocopied so we know who is here and why.

"If anyone is thinking of travelling without a ticket, don't. We don't even have enough pubs for everyone to watch the game on TV.

"Public transport will close down for the day. Trying to get more than 40,000 fans to the stadium without buses is going to be pretty much impossible."

CSKA Sofia - Lokomotiv Plovdiv - 12/04/2008

Source : sportni.bg

Second group of Manchester United fans in court after Blackburn Rovers violence - 30/04/2008

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

FOOTBALL fans have appeared before Blackburn magistrates after being arrested for a number of unrelated on the day of the match between Rovers and Manchester United.

In total, more than 60 fans were arrested as more than 300 police officers mounted a massive containment operation before, during and after the 1-1 draw.

The court, which had dealt with another group of fans the previous day, heard that the police action resulted from widespread violence during the corresponding fixture last season.

Christopher Bell, 40, of Hyde, Cheshire, was remanded on bail charged with assaulting a police officer and being drunk and disorderly in Jubilee Street.

Christopher Mark Dearden, 23, of Runcorn, admitted a breach of the peace and was bound over in £200 to keep the peace for 12 months. A charge of being drunk and disorderly in the Fernhurst pub was withdrawn.

Mark Anthony Fitzgerald, 19, of Stretford, was bound over in £100 to keep the peace for six months after admitting a breach of the peace. A charge of being drunk and disorderly in the Fernhurst public house was withdrawn.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Ashley Hayes, 21, of Manchester, when he failed to appear to answer a charge of being drunk and disorderly inside Ewood Park.

Postman Michael Joseph O'Shaughnessy, 32, of Crumpsall, Manchester, was fined £150 with £75 costs after pleading guilty to being drunk and disorderly on Blackburn railway station.

O'Shaughnessy became aggressive when he was challenged by police and called an officer a "jumped up little Hitler." He eventually had to be sprayed before he could be restrained.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Robert Robbins, 31, of Bearley, Stratford-Upon-Avon, when he failed to appear to answer a charge of being drunk and disorderly in the Golden Cup pub.

Darren Hopper, 19, of Droylsden, was fined £100 with £75 costs after pleading guilty to encroaching on the playing area.

The magistrates rejected an application for a football banning order after hearing Hopper had got carried away with the heat of the moment when United scored a late equaliser and found himself on the pitch.

* Alan Michael Currell, 45, of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, was remanded on bail after pleading not guilty to being drunk while entering Ewood Park.

Steven George Delfinis, 46, of Stretford, was remanded on bail after pleading not guilty to using threatening behaviour.

John Hampson, 34, of Manchester, was remanded on bail after pleading not guilty to being drunk and disorderly inside Ewood Park and assaulting a police officer.

Dale Rainford, 25, of Whalley Road, Sabden, was remanded on bail after pleading not guilty to being drunk and disorderly in Blackburn Rovers' Blues Bar.

Real Betis have stadium ban for bottle incident reduced - 28/04/2008

Source : ESPN

Real Betis had an initial two-match stadium ban for a bottle-throwing incident reduced to one game by Spain's Sporting Discipline Committee (CEDD) on Monday after an appeal.

Betis received the punishment after Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Armando was cut on the face when a fan threw a bottle of water at him during a league match at their Manuel Ruiz de Lopera stadium in March.

"According to the resolution, the action of people in helping to detain the person who committed the illegal act was taken into consideration," the Primera Liga club said in a statement on their Web site (www.realbetisbalompie.es).

Fans behind the goal helped identify the aggressor to stadium security after the incident and he was later arrested by the police.

A 40-year-old Betis fan was charged with a public disorder offence and causing injury before being released on bail. Armando needed stitches just below his eye.

The game was abandoned with Bilbao leading 2-1 and the Spanish Football Federation subsequently decided that the result should stand and that Betis be banned from their stadium for two matches.

Arsenal FC - Reading FC - 19/04/2008

Source: forum

Not a 100% sure report

After the game, it went off with 25 Reading "young uns" and a few West Ham lads or fans in Carnaby street.
It seems a a few Millwall were with Reading.