Season 07/08 - May

PSG COULD FACE PENALTY - 07/05/2008

Source : Sportinglife.com

Paris St Germain could face punishment after police were forced to use tear gas to prevent a group of the club's ticketless fans entering the stadium during the Coupe de France semi-final against Amiens.

The match was halted for around 10 minutes towards the end of the first half after the tear-gas fumes spread onto the pitch, forcing referee Tony Chapron to rush the players off to the dressing room.

Players and supporters alike were seen covering their mouths to stop themselves inhaling the fumes.

Reports claim there were about 100 fans outside the ground who were trying to join the 550 PSG supporters already in the stadium. 7 fans were arrested and one policeman was injured.

The capital club could be fined, or even face heavier punishment, for this latest incident.

PSG were recently banned from competing in next season's Coupe de la Ligue after a section of their fans unfurled a discriminatory banner during this year's final against Lens.

The club are to appeal against the decision.

PSG beat Amiens 1-0 to advance through to the final, which takes place later this month.

Czech football hooligans may be punished during match at stadium - 07/05/2008

Source : ČTK

Football hooligans who will violate law during the Czech first league match between Sparta Praha and Banik Ostrava on Saturday may be punished directly at the stadium, Prague City Court chairman Jan Svacek told journalists today.

A provisional courtroom will be established at the Prague-Letna stadium on Saturday. In a shortened proceeding, the court may issue a verdict or an order to launch a trial.

The whole process may last only several tens of minutes.

"If the police detain an aggressive fan during the match or shortly after it, they will write a report on the incident and hand the accused to a state attorney who will decide on the person's possible handing to the judge sitting in the courtroom at the stadium," Svacek said.

If law is seriously violated at the stadium, the perpetrator may be taken into custody or go behind bars.

The interior and justice ministries plan to use the new measure against soccer rowdies more often, the daily Lidove noviny (LN) writes today.

The ministries say no new laws are necessary to fight against soccer hooligans.

The clubs of Banik Ostrava and Sparta Praha are infamous for the aggressive actions of a part of their fans.

Carlisle United - Bournemouth FC - 03/05/2008

Source: forum - BFC view

Bournemouth drank half a mile from the ground 40-handed without plod before the game. It was the first pub off the motorway and you'd have thought Carlisle would have had spotters but didn't see a peep. Then walked to the ground, again without police, completely untouched. Not claiming anything, but strange that no Carlisle even said/did owt... And a strange lack of OB.

Then afterwards, as plod struggled with the scrotes on the pitch, a suicide squad of six AFCB walked out the ground and fronted 20 Carlisle younguns. After one (very) young AFCB was laid out, their youth got ran by the six until the cavalry arrived, and it started to get a bit on top.

AFCB were then saved by bravery, and later the OB, as 40 frothing Carlisle attacked them all up the main road, in gardens, etc...

The lad nicked for fighting with the AFCB lad admitted the BCE were the gamest mob to go to Carlisle all season.

Lincoln City - Wrexham FC - 03/05/2008

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

POLICE CHASE PINK PANTHER AND GIANT RABBIT

Men dressed as superheroes, cartoon characters and cuddly toys were chased by police after reports of football-related trouble in Lincoln.

Police were called to Lincoln's High Street at about 1.15pm on Saturday, just before Lincoln City FC's final match of the season against already-relegated Wrexham at Sincil Bank.

Several riot vans with sirens blaring descended on the High Street to tackle the trouble, which centred around the Anchor and Ritz pubs.

At one stage away team supporters, some of them in colourful fancy dress, attempted to run from police.

Saturday afternoon shoppers looked on in bewilderment as officers chased a group of men - one dressed as a giant rabbit and another in a Pink Panther costume - through the streets.

Police said yesterday that two people had been arrested in connection with the disorder before the match, which Wrexham won 4-2.

Source: forum

Wrexham view

Just had a call from one of ours in Lincoln.

25 or so Lincoln attacked a pub with 16 or so Wrexham in, don't know much about that incident cos the lad i was talking too wasn't in that pub.

30 Wrexham leave another pub to meet other wxm lads, Lincoln come out of a pub, Wrexham straight into Lincoln, toe to toe for a bit, about 25 Older Lincoln, 30-40 Wrexham, Wrexham backing Lincoln off, ob turn up, Wrexham lads get off in every possible direction, bout 12 wrexham running up the road and run bang into 10 older lincoln, straight into eachother again, Wrexham again gettin the better of things, another 15 Wrexham come up the road and back Lincoln off. Lincoln claming to have 50 out.

A few Lincoln lads done quite badly but fair play to them for giving it a good go with lesser numbers according to 3 or 4 lads that i've spoke too, Wrexham all split up now, should be a very interesting day.

Just to add, most of the Wrexham are in Fancy Dress


Lincoln view

Like you do then with your bunch of gypo's. Fair play to Wrexham yesterday but for us getting done 2-3 times your having a fucking laugh. The ambulance yes the one ambulance was outside the Anchor and not the Vaults as your little Welsh friend told you, for the one lad who got attacked outside a boozer further up the road by 6 lads who were tooled up but that shit just happens.( If he hadn't gone to hospital the OB were going to nick him for what I don't know) Outside The Vaults the do involving 20 or so Wrexham and 10-15 Lincoln was Lincoln backing off Wrexham but the do outside the Anchor to start off with was 8-10 Lincoln trying to hold off 30-40 Wrexham which was just about managed but both parties took on board a few casualties with many lads getting put on their arses. Niether side backed off and the Ob came at just about the right time to probably save the few Lincoln lads arses.
A few minor skirmishes with little 10 on 10's with Lincoln mainly coming out on top due to Wrexham not being tooled up and numbers wise equal at this point. Yes smaller numbers were being picked off by Lincoln but only in retaliation of what happened to lad earlier but no fucker on both sides are whinging.
Cracking day had by all and yes I have a lot of time for Wrexham as they have done what most mobs have failed to do over the years and turn up and have a go instead of losing £200 by giving it to a lad to buy sniff with then get put on his arse when he went looking for his money.
No arrests on either side and with the cctv camera pointing the wrong way when it kicked off probably no early knocks.

"U" Cluj - CFR Cluj - 07/05/2008

Source : ProTv

VIDEO : http://www.protv.ro/filme/cluj-ciocniri-intre-suporteri-si-fortele-de-ordine.html?id_file=51996

One police officer in normal clothes need medical intervention after "U" fans beat him.
One girl was arrested after using one smoke bomb.
In the stadium, home fans throw chairs on the field.






Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=o2GP3hk7MQ8

Peterborough FC - Darlington FC - 06/05/2008

Source: forum + http://www.darlofc.co.uk

No Darlo mob for this game but locals had a tidy mob.
A fight occured inside the ground, opposing locals to OB.

Fulham FC - Birmingham City - 03/05/2008

Source: forum

It seems Fulham youth tried to call it on with Brum youth.
A firm of 20 to 30 year old Brum attacked the youth and by all accounts the youth stood but come of worse...
A couple of Fulham bloodied an with ripped clobber.

Wales: Bangor City - Llanelli - Cup - 04/05/2008

Source: BBC

Trouble mars Bangor's Cup win

Bangor City's 4-2 Welsh Cup win was marred by a pitch invasion where Llanelli players were targeted by opposing fans.

Christian Sergeant's equaliser in the last minute of normal time sparked City fans to spill onto the pitch.

In the melee that followed, Llanelli goalkeeper Duncan Roberts appeared to be pushed over and Andy Legg was allegedly spat at in the face.

Dyfed Powys Police have confirmed they are to launch an investigation following the ugly scenes at Newtown's Latham Park ground on Sunday.

The Football Association of Wales will watch video footage of the incident and await reports from the police and match referee Phil Southall before deciding if they will take action.

Llanelli defender Legg, the former Wales international, said: "I'm disappointed in the fans.

"I understand the fans are jubilant as they've scored a last minute equaliser but to come on and poke and spit in my face is a bit out of order.

"The fans have let Welsh football down.

"I'm delighted for Bangor who have now qualified for the UEFA Cup but if the fans behave like that in Europe what will that do for Welsh football?"

The match was already a heated affair when Bangor's Peter Hoy was sent off after four minutes for a rash challenge.

Ashley Stott them put them ahead, before Dave Swanwick's own goal brought Llanelli level.

Rhys Griffiths put Llanelli on course for the treble but they had Wyn Thomas sent off for using foul language.

Sergant levelled for Bangor in the last minute sparking the pitch invasion and the police became involved.

The drama continued in extra time when Marc Limbert scored from the spot and Karl Noone secured a 4-2 win for the North Walians.

Llanelli were reduced to nine men with five minutes to go when Griffiths was sent off for an elbow.

Police warn Zenit hooligans over match trouble - 11/05/2008

Source : Scotsman

ZENIT St Petersburg fans have been warned that incidents of racism or hooliganism will meet a zero-tolerance approach from police.

It follows ugly incidents in games in early rounds of the Uefa Cup and also a series of violent encounters with rival supporters during the team's domestic campaign. Despite 100,000 Rangers followers being expected to descend on Manchester for Wednesday night's game, it is their opponents who pose the biggest security risk to the authorities.

And after Zenit supporters hung a toy monkey dressed in an opponent's kit from their section of the ground and used it to taunt opposition black players, the authorities in England have warned no such behaviour will be tolerated during the final. On Wednesday night, Rangers will almost certainly have at least three targets for racist fans in their squad: Frenchman Jean-Claude Darcheville; Brahim Hemdani, a French-born Algerian; as well as Daniel Cousin, who is French-Gabonese.

Chief Superintendent Gerry Donnellan of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), match commander for the final, told Scotland on Sunday: "My advice to all the fans who are coming to Manchester is simple: if something is not allowed at games in Scotland or Russia, then it is not allowed in England.

"Fans know what they can and cannot do. All I will say is: take a sensible approach and enjoy your day."

He added that there would be a "zero tolerance" approach towards racist chanting and abuse as well as sectarianism.

Spanish police were forced to baton-charge Zenit fans during their visit to Villareal's El Madrigal stadium last February. And the following month there were similar scenes in France when the Russians travelled to Marseilles and riot officers had to be deployed to restore order in the away section of the ground.

Video footage of both incidents has been posted on video-sharing sites such as YouTube along with several clashes with rival Russian sides.

In one, Zenit's hard-core hooligans – known as the Gremlins or the Nevsky Front – are involved in a brutal clash with rivals Spartak Moscow.

With almost militaristic precision, the two groups, dressed respectively in blue and red T-shirts, march towards each other in a suburban car park before battling with fists, feet and metal bars as well as hurling numerous phosphorous flares.

Said one British police insider: "Zenit are bringing between 9,000 and 14,000 supporters with them, depending on who you listen to, but unlike Rangers this mob has a very unpleasant, albeit small but significant, number of serious hooligans.

"They are organised and regimented, and many have extreme far-right views and are not too concerned about voicing them either inside or outside the stadium."

Whilst Strathclyde Police say they are not expecting trouble at the game, they have taken extensive precautions to prevent it.

The force's 'spotters', whose role it is to identify and monitor known hooligans, have spent weeks updating their intelligence on potential suspects by liaising with their colleagues from other Scottish forces.

They will not just be operating in Manchester city centre, but also at motorway service stations, railway stations and airport terminals in a bid to identify suspects.

The Strathclyde officers will be backed up by around 30 colleagues from Russia who are travelling over with the Zenit fans in order to identify as many troublemakers as possible and point them out to the English authorities.

Donnellan declined to release precise details of how many officers will be on duty on the day of the final. However, he stressed he was happy his force would be able to deal with any situation which arose.

But Scotland on Sunday has learned that GMP has implemented the so-called Mutual Aid Agreement by which manpower and equipment can be 'borrowed' from neighbouring forces to supplement existing numbers.

Amongst the additional officers being drafted in are up to 210 officers from Merseyside Police, including members of their Matrix Unit, the specialist Swat-style team widely used during the recent arrests of the Rhys Jones murder suspects.

One senior Merseyside officer said: "We are sending up to 10 Police Support Units (PSUs), each of which consists of an inspector, two sergeants and 18 constables. And, just as Lancashire Police is doing in Blackpool, here in Liverpool we will be putting additional officers on the streets of the city centre, as we expect an influx of Rangers fans who cannot get tickets for the game."

Rangers' chief security officer Kenny Scott said that in the previous 18 European away games which the club had played this season there had not been a single arrest.

Widzew Lodz - Gornik Zabrze - 10/05/2008

Source: http://www.foto.widzew.org

Poland: Arka Gdynia - GKS Jastrzebie - 10/05/2008

Source: http://maxnet.org.pl/~pucha

GKS mob

Lyon - AS Nancy - 10/05/2008

Source : LyonCapitale.fr

At the end of the game, Lyon supporters invaded the pitch. Some fight erupted between hools and stewards. French CRS intervened.

thanks to the sender










Video :
https://www.dailymotion.com/ctp69/video/x5dnws_lyon-nancy
https://www.dailymotion.com/related/9035596/video/x5do25_lyon-nancypart2_sport

Middlesbrough - Manchester City - 11/05/2008

Source : Northern Echo

Policeman injured as violence mars Boro victory

A POLICEMAN was injured in clashes with Manchester City fans, following the team's 8-1 defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium today.

The officer, from Cleveland Police and who is in his early 40s, had to receive stitches for his wound, caused when he was struck by a seat thrown by a Manchester City supporter.

Violence erupted at the end of the match and seven Manchester fans were arrested. They are currently in holding cells at Middlesbrough Police station.

The injured policeman had his wound treated at the town's James Cook University Hospital.




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Source : BBC News

Officers hurt in match violence

Several police officers were attacked when trouble flared at Middlesbrough's 8-1 defeat of Manchester City.

Seats were ripped off and used as weapons while police tried to restrain a visiting fan who had removed a safety barrier, said the Cleveland force.

But fans claim the trouble started when police grabbed the man after he was pushed onto the pitch.

Some officers suffered minor injuries and one was treated for a hand wound in Sunday's violence at the Riverside.

Match Commander Supt Martin Campbell said: "It appears that towards the end of the game a visiting fan removed a 4ft long metal safety barrier which was in place to prevent access to the pitch.

"Fearing that it could be used as a weapon or to gain access on to the playing area, an officer removed this barrier and a skirmish then took place, spreading into other areas of the crowd.

"At this point officers began to come under attack as seats were pulled off and a number of police officers were struck by seats, one fully in the face."

Police reinforcements were then called to restrain the "small minority" of fans, he added.

Dave Wallace, editor of Manchester City fanzine King of the Kippax, said: "I was at the Riverside but I left when the sixth goal went in so I did not see the violence, but from what I heard it kicked off after a policeman grabbed a lad who had been shoved on to the pitch.

"After that some of the other City supporters joined in. They were trying to help him."

Seven Manchester City fans were arrested for public order offences, said Cleveland Police.

CSKA Sofia - Levski Sofia - 10/05/2008

Source : Mail

Excellent atmosphere before the game, it was a total chaos in the city centre.
Reds finally managed to fill their ugly stadium, we were outnumbered, but the pigs were surprisingly quiet.
2 big fights in the south tribune between our fans, and one with the cops.









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

Source : Mail Steaua fan

We go at Sofia for our friends from CSKA. Arrive there with 5 hours before the game and meet with our friends. Drink and have a good time with them.
In the stadium, very good atmosfere. Many fireworkers, smoke bombs and bombs for our friends. Levski fans use fireworks too and have a fight with police and destroy almost all chairs after that.
The match end 1-1 but CSKA win the 31 national league !!!
We leave Sofia at 00:00 and arrive in Bucharest at 08:00. Very good match !!!



VIDEO with fight :
http://sportal.bg/video.php?video_id=6337

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Source : sportni.bg

Sporting Portugal - Boavista - 11/05/2008

Source: mail (thanks to the sender)

At half time, a tidy mob composed by some old faces and a few youths ( about 40 lads),inside the ground, decided to try something in visitors end.
They arrived near visitors end with lots of undercover cops and a few stewards, and Special police (Spotters), some provocation started by these lads because the big scandle that envolves Boavista .
At the begining of second half one lad was arrested by Police.

Poland: Slask Wroclaw - Odra Opole - 11/05/2008

Source: http://www.wroclawianie.info/ + http://foto.ziolo.eu










Autres photos: http://foto.ziolo.eu/?page=1&dao=4&id=585

FC Den Haag - RKC Waalwijk - Play Offs - 11/05/2008

Source: forum

Tidy mob on local side, which threw bricks and bottles at RKC fans coaches.

210 Merseyside police officers to cover Uefa Cup Final - 12/05/2008

Source : Liverpool Daily Post

A CRACK response team will be among a 210-strong deployment of Merseyside Police officers sent to Manchester this week for the Uefa cup final.

Glasgow Rangers are expected to bring up to 100,000 supporters south to play Zenit St Petersburg at the City of Manchester Stadium, and police are warning all travelling fans they will adopt a zero tolerance approach.

A senior Merseyside officer said: “We are sending up to 10 Police Support Units (PSUs), each of which consists of an inspector, two sergeants and 18 constables.

“And, just as Lancashire Police is doing in Blackpool, here in Liverpool we will be putting additional officers on the streets of the city centre, as we expect an influx of Rangers fans who cannot get tickets for the game.”

Among the additional officers being drafted in are up to 210 from Merseyside, including members of their Matrix Unit, set up in 2005 to target high-level criminality.

Ugly incidents involving the Russian team’s fans in early rounds of the Uefa Cup and a string of violent encounters in their domestic campaign have put British police on alert.

Over in Manchester chief superintendent Gerry Donnellan, match commander for the final, said: “My advice to all the fans who are coming to Manchester is simple: if something is not allowed at games in Scotland or Russia, then it is not allowed in England.

“Fans know what they can and cannot do. All I will say is: take a sensible approach and enjoy your day.”

He added that there would be a “zero tolerance” approach towards racist chanting and abuse as well as sectarianism.

On Wednesday night, Rangers will almost certainly have at least three targets for racist fans in their squad: Frenchman Jean-Claude Darcheville; Brahim Hemdani, a French-born Algerian; as well as Daniel Cousin, who is French-Gabonese.

Police believe Zenit are bringing between 9,000 and 14,000 supporters with them including a small group described as being organised and regimented hooligans.

Many Rangers supporters are staying in Liverpool, because of hotels being sold out in Manchester and Blackpool, although some have already expressed concerns that hoteliers are cashing in on the final by raising their rates significantly.

Wisla Krakow - Zaglebie Sosnowiec - 10/05/2008

Source : wislasoccer.com

Aarhus - Brøndby IF - 11/05/2008

Source : mail

Polish Cup Final: Legia Warszawa - Wisla Krakow 13/05/2008

Source: Legialive.pl, jp85.pl + own.

Both sides tried to get to each other, but lot of OB stopped them.

Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTX7jAWqiH8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwDFxY3efo8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgfVb6Yn7V4

City invaded by Rangers' support - 14/05/2008

Source : BBC News

Manchester city centre is awash with a sea of blue as tens of thousands of Rangers fans gather ahead of the Uefa Cup final.

They are mingling with a smaller number of supporters of Russia's Zenit St Petersburg to await the match.

Up to 100,000 fans from both sides are expected in the city and they are expected to give a £20m boost to the local economy.

The City of Manchester stadium is to host about 47,000 fans for the final.

Just 13,000 Rangers fans were allocated official tickets, so thousands more will watch the match on big screens and the city's pubs and bars.

Commuters arriving on Wednesday morning were greeted by the sight of thousands of blue-shirted fans in Piccadilly Gardens - determined to savour the team's first appearance in a European final for 36 years.

The singing and drinking started early, with supporters staking their claims for places in front of the screens in Fan Zones at Albert Square, Piccadilly Gardens and Cathedral Gardens.

The zones also boast beer tents, toilets and programme sellers.

Jim Templeton, 56, from Ayrshire, the president of the Rangers Assembly, said: "The atmosphere among Rangers supporters is absolutely phenomenal.

"We have heard about the possibility of 100,000 coming down - I think we might find a few more than 100,000 coming down.

"I was fortunate enough to be there in 1972, there's others who have never witnessed Rangers in a European final, it's a shame they can't all be accommodated."

Greater Manchester Police, who have a huge presence in the city centre, warned roads into the city were extremely busy.

The force said three fans had been arrested so far - two for public order offences and one for possessing a false ticket.

Police in Glasgow and Manchester have previously issued warnings over counterfeit tickets which could be in circulation.

Although beer is being sold in fan zones, long queues have formed at city centre supermarkets and alcohol is said to be flying off the shelves.

With the warm weather, police and council officials have urged people to consume plenty of water and "drink sensibly".

Councillor Pat Karney, city centre spokesman, said the city "had never seen anything like it".

"It's worth £20m to Manchester's economy all this. Millions and millions of people are going to be watching the match, so it's worth it."

Every hotel room in the city and for up to 20 miles beyond - about 45,000 in total - is booked up.

Many fans are expected to camp, sleep rough or spend the night in their cars.

About 3,000 Rangers fans are camping at Burnage Rugby Club, which is about four miles outside the city centre.

Fans remaining in Glasgow will be able to watch the match on big screens at Ibrox Stadium.

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport is running free buses from Buchanan Bus Station to Edmiston Drive between 1730 and 1930 BST - with entry to the stadium and seats on the buses will be available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Football fans tried to get in drunk - 14/05/2008

Source : Blackburn Citizen

THREE Derby County fans who came to Blackburn to support their already relegated team found themselves locked up and charged with public order offences.

Gareth Hopwell, 28, of Derby, admitted being drunk while entering Ewood Park. He was fined £100 with £65 costs.

Daniel John Gaetto, 21, of, Nottingham, was arrested after police saw between 15 and 20 men squaring up in Blackburn town centre. Gaetto was seen to throw a punch.

advertisementGaetto pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour. He was fined £200 with £75 costs and made subject to a football banning order for four years.

Graham Bunting, 37, of Matlock, pleaded guilty to being drunk trying to enter Ewood Park. He was fined £200 with £75 costs and made subject to a football banning order for four years.

Stoke City - Leicester CIty - 04/05/2008

Source: youtube.com

http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=WoS8lJ77c0o
http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=0MSn-YCOD1s&feature=related
http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=4ClNhTHvCZw&feature=related

Zenit St Petersburg - Glasgow Rangers - Match played in Manchester - 15/05/2008

Source: youtube.com +

Rangers fans versus police forces

http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=pZwjYALgndM

http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=fsjF5Wcdbf4&feature=related

http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=UZJEr2Ehl2s&feature=related

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7402091.stm

http://www.rtlinfo.be/sport/news/article/110894/--Les+supporters+des+Rangers+d%C3%A9cha%C3%AEn%C3%A9s+%3A+un+Russe+poignard%C3%A9

Source: sportinglife.com

Police 'Sickened' By Violence

Police chiefs said they were "sickened and disappointed" after hours of violence following the UEFA Cup final marred what should have been a proud night for British football.

Across Manchester centre streets were strewn with rubbish, cans of beer and broken glass after 100,000 Rangers fans descended on Manchester for the big game against Russian side Zenit St Petersburg.

An army of council workers will begin moving the mountains of rubbish - but the Rangers' fans own reputation, and that of the city's for hosting events - may take longer to clean up.

Police chiefs expressed their disappointment after violent clashes between fans and riot police marred Rangers' attempt to become the first Scottish club to win a European trophy in 25 years.

An underwhelming performance saw the Glasgow side lose 2-0.

Six men, believed to be Rangers supporters, were arrested after a Russian supporter was stabbed inside the stadium.

For hours after the match the centre of the city was a battleground of running battles between Scots supporters and riot police.

Assistant Chief Constable Justine Curran of Greater Manchester Police said: "A minority of thugs have overshadowed what should have been a great occasion."

She added: "I've watched them commit damage, assault my officers and I'm really sickened and disappointed."

Scores of bleary-eyed fans awoke hungover and shivering in the early morning, heading for the train station to begin the journey home, after sleeping in doorways for the night, using their flags as blankets.

Manchester City Council promised a warm welcome, with a relaxed attitude to fans drinking on the street - normally outlawed, and three fan zones with big screens.

More than 100,000 Rangers fans were estimated to have gathered in Manchester city centre, joined by around 9,000 Zenit fans.

Beer was on tap from off-licences with supporters carrying crates of cheap lager around - Tesco opened at 7am, 18 hours before kick-off.

Excitement mounted all day - as did the alcohol levels, with some fans spending hundreds of pounds on travel and hotels just to watch the game in the fan zones.

Throughout the day the atmosphere had been friendly - but when a "technical hitch" hit the screen in Piccadilly Gardens, many fans, already heavily drunk, turned nasty.

Violence broke out at around 7.30pm - and the trouble continued for around five hours.

The broken big screen was pelted with bottles, as were riot police as they moved in to try to quell the trouble.

Police and council officials blamed a "minority" of fans for the violence.

Rangers fans blamed the local council's "shambolic" organisation, but another said the behaviour of his fellow supporters left him "ashamed to be a Scotsman".

There were similar dejected scenes in Glasgow, where 25,000 fans had watched the match on giant scenes at the club's home ground, Ibrox Stadium.

On their return to Scotland, the Rangers players are expected to take part in a parade of honour on an open-top bus, which will travel through the city.

Paul Johnson, 25, from the Knightswood area of Glasgow, said: "I'm absolutely gutted. We were so close to a historic victory for our club but we just couldn't perform on the night.

"It was just a dream for us and we didn't quite make it."

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Source: sportinglife.com

Zenit fan stabbed in Manchester

A Russian fan was stabbed outside the City of Manchester Stadium following Rangers' 2-0 UEFA Cup final defeat to Zenit St Petersburg.

More StoriesSmith hails "terrific" Gers
Greater Manchester Police said the fan at the final venue suffered non-life threatening injuries in the attack.

Six men, believed to be Rangers fans, have been arrested for a serious assault, according to police.

Rangers supporters also clashed with riot police as angry scenes came after thousands of fans were left outraged when a screen meant to be showing the game in the Piccadilly Gardens fan zone failed to work.

Fans lined the streets and the mood became tense when disgruntled supporters - who had waited all day to see the historic tie with Zenit St Petersburg - were unable to watch the game.

Riot police deployed around the area faced hostile Rangers fans throwing bottles and cans at them.

After backing off for a while, police charged the fans, pushing them back.

After one clash, a fan lay on the floor and appeared to be injured.

Other fans taunted officers by filming them with their mobile phones, while police fended them off, hitting them with their shields and batons.

The unpleasant scenes marred the good-natured party atmosphere which had characterised the lengthy build-up to the match - one of the most important games in Rangers' history.

More than 100,000 fans were estimated to have gathered in the city centre, turning it into a sea of red, white and blue.

They were joined by around 9,000 Zenit fans, who were given an equal share of tickets for the 44,000 capacity City of Manchester Stadium.

But in the end, thousands of Rangers fans streamed out of the stadium, heartbroken after their European dream was left in tatters.

If Rangers had won the match, they would have been the first Scottish team to land a European trophy for 25 years.

Downhearted supporters said they were "devastated" and seemed disappointed with their team's performance.

Paul Johnson, 25, from the Knightswood area of Glasgow, said: "I'm absolutely gutted. We were so close to a historic victory for our club but we just couldn't perform on the night.

"It was just a dream for us and we didn't quite make it."

Ian Anderson, 19, from Fife, said: "I'm absolutely devastated. We should have had a penalty, but to be honest they had more of the ball. They created more chances."

Alan Bedford, 22, from Renfrewshire, said: "Of course I was totally gutted but we didn't expect to be there at the start of this season. We were chasing four trophies and we're still in for three. I'm chuffed with that."

And Scott McBride, 19, from Loch Lomond, was "disappointed" with his team's performance, saying: "We can't expect to go out there just defending and win the game.

"Obviously the whole lot of us are very upset but we didn't play as we should have done."




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Source: teamtalk.com

Gers fans clash with police

Rangers fans clashed with riot police in Manchester on Wednesday night as their team suffered a 2-0 defeat in the UEFA Cup final.The angry scenes came after thousands of fans were left outraged when a screen meant to be showing the game in the Piccadilly Garden fan zone failed to work.

Fans lined the streets and the mood became tense when disgruntled supporters - who had waited all day to see the historic tie with Zenit St Petersburg - were unable to watch the game.

Riot police deployed around the area faced hostile Rangers fans lobbing bottles and cans at them.

After backing off for a while, police charged the fans, pushing them back.

After one clash, a fan lay on the floor and appeared to be injured.

Other fans taunted officers by filming them with their mobile phones, while police fended them off, hitting them with their shields and batons.

The unpleasant scenes marred the good-natured party atmosphere which had characterised the lengthy build-up to the match - one of the most important games in Rangers' history.

More than 100,000 fans were estimated to have gathered in the city centre, turning it into a sea of red, white and blue.

They were joined by around 9,000 Zenit fans, who were given an equal share of tickets for the 44,000 capacity City of Manchester Stadium.

But in the end, thousands of Rangers fans streamed out of the stadium, heartbroken after their European dream was left in tatters.

If Rangers had won the match, they would have been the first Scottish team to land a European trophy for 25 years.

Downhearted supporters said they were "devastated" and seemed disappointed with their team's performance.

Paul Johnson, 25, from the Knightswood area of Glasgow, said: "I'm absolutely gutted. We were so close to a historic victory for our club but we just couldn't perform on the night.

"It was just a dream for us and we didn't quite make it."

Ian Anderson, 19, from Fife, said: "I'm absolutely devastated. We should have had a penalty, but to be honest they had more of the ball. They created more chances."

Alan Bedford, 22, from Renfrewshire, said: "Of course I was totally gutted but we didn't expect to be there at the start of this season. We were chasing four trophies and we're still in for three. I'm chuffed with that."

And Scott McBride, 19, from Loch Lomond, was "disappointed" with his team's performance, saying: "We can't expect to go out there just defending and win the game.

"Obviously the whole lot of us are very upset but we didn't play as we should have done."








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Source: thisislondon.co.uk

Russian fan stabbed as Scottish football fans riot in wake of UEFA Cup defeat

An inquiry was under way today after football fans went on the rampage, marring the Uefa Cup Final.

One fan was stabbed and police made 42 arrests in hours of violence in Manchester city centre during and after Glasgow Rangers' defeat to Russian opponents Zenit St Petersburg.

And 15 police officers, as well as a police dog, were left nursing a catalogue of injuries as hundreds of riot police and supporters fought running battles.

One senior officer was hit so hard his electronic earpiece was left embedded in his head and had to be removed by doctors.

Another policeman was bottled over the head and another lost his front teeth after being head-butted by a Rangers hooligan.

Other injuries included bruised and cracked ribs, a dislocated shoulder, a broken finger and arm, and cuts needing stitches.

Ambulance crews also came under attack in the violence and two paramedics were reportedly also injured.

Five men arrested for wounding with intent on suspicion of stabbing a rival Russian fan have been released - and it appears the knifeman has escaped.

Sixteen men are currently under arrest for public order offences, four for assault and four for violent disorder and affray. There were further arrests for throwing missiles, possessing an offensive weapon and criminal damage.

Some may appear in court this afternoon, after they have sobered up this morning.

Police chiefs said they were left "sickened and disappointed" with the behaviour of some fans.

Across the city centre this morning streets were strewn with rubbish, cans of beer and broken glass after an estimated 100,000 Rangers fans descended on Manchester for the big game.

An army of council workers will begin moving the mountains of rubbish but the Rangers' fans own reputation - and that of the city's for hosting events - may take longer to clean up.

Assistant Chief Constable Justine Curran of Greater Manchester Police said: "A minority of thugs have overshadowed what should have been a great occasion."

She added: "I've watched them commit damage, assault my officers and I'm really sickened and disappointed."

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council said: "We are having a full inquiry into the failure of the screen in Piccadilly Gardens.

"The vast majority of fans spent a peaceful evening in our city centre in a spirit of friendship and respect. But this has been spoiled by the bad behaviour of a minority. We cannot tolerate missiles and bottles being thrown."

Scores of bleary-eyed fans awoke hungover and shivering in the early morning, heading for the train station to begin the journey home, after sleeping in doorways for the night, using their flags as blankets.

Privately it is known that city officials wanted "anyone but Rangers" to get through to the final.

Publicly the council promised a warm welcome, with a relaxed attitude to fans drinking on the street - normally outlawed - and three fan zones with big screens.

Beer was on tap from off-licences with supporters carrying crates of cheap lager around - Tesco opened at 7am, 18 hours before kick-off.

Excitement mounted all day, as did the alcohol levels, with some fans spending hundreds of pounds on travel and hotels just to watch the game in the fan zones.

Throughout the day the atmosphere had been friendly but when a "technical hitch" hit the screen in Piccadilly Gardens, many fans, already heavily drunk, turned nasty.

Violence broke out at around 7.30pm and the trouble continued for around five hours.

The broken big screen was pelted with bottles, as were riot police as they moved in to try to quell the trouble. Police and council officials blamed a "minority" of fans for the violence.

Rangers fans blamed the local council's "shambolic" organisation, but another said the behaviour of his fellow supporters left him "ashamed to be a Scotsman".

There were similar dejected scenes in Glasgow, where 25,000 fans had watched the match on giant screens at the club's home ground, Ibrox Stadium.

On their return to Scotland, the Rangers players are expected to take part in a parade of honour on an open-top bus, which will travel through the city.

Paul Johnson, 25, from the Knightswood area of Glasgow, said: "I'm absolutely gutted. We were so close to a historic victory for our club but we just couldn't perform on the night.

"It was just a dream for us and we didn't quite make it."

Rangers lost the match 2-0.



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