Season 08/09 - September

Shocking statistics reveal extent of football violence - 20/09/2008

Source : ChronicleLive

SOARING numbers of football yobs are being banned from football.

A Chronicle probe today lifts the lid on the true scale of hooliganism on Tyneside.

More than 20 thugs have been given banning orders during the past 12 months, while the number of people arrested while travelling to games has shot up.

Our investigator went undercover with Northumbria Police’s football intelligence unit as they went on the trail of soccer yobs before the Toon’s last game.

The figures come as we expose the lout set to become the 50th United fan banned from all games in England and Wales for his part in a derby day rampage.

Christopher Brannan, 33, of William Street, Hebburn, South Tyneside, was part of a 300-strong Magpies mob who caused mayhem after the Toon’s clash with Sunderland in April.

He was caught on camera hurling abuse at police trying to escort Black Cats fans out of the city safely, before squirting liquid in the face of an officer and his riot dog. Brannan was snared after police used the Chronicle to appeal for information on eight yobs who were captured on CCTV. He has been convicted of the offence at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court.

It is the latest in a long line of recent successes for the football intelligence unit. Newcastle football liaison officer Sgt Glenn Patterson said: “The football banning unit make determined attempts to reduce bad behaviour at football matches.

“That includes targeting risk fans, who may be involved in organised violence, but covers anyone trying to engage in disorder. Over the last year, we have made a determined effort to secure prosecutions against anyone involved in football-related disorder and, where appropriate, apply for banning orders.

“We want people to be able to go to matches, without that experience being spoiled.”

Since June 2007, 21, Newcastle fans have been given banning orders, with several further cases pending. The most recent was Brannan.

Lynn Gray, prosecuting, told the court the rioting supporters were traced from St James’s Park, down Barrack Road, on to Bath Lane, then Westgate Road and Neville Street, by Central Station.

She added: “Missiles were being thrown at officers, including bottles, stones and coins. It escalated and resulted in an officer being attacked.”

Brannan shouted and swore at a line of police, before pulling out a bottle and repeatedly squirting at a dog handler who was trying to keep the rowdy crowds at bay. Brannan will be sentenced later this month.

His case comes after 10 hooligans were given a range of sentences for a pre-season brawl against Carlisle fans in July 2007. The gang, from Newcastle, Gateshead, Derwentside and parts of County Durham, clashed with their opponents in the border city as a pub was turned into a battleground.

Raymond Etchells, 34, of Dunston, Gateshead, was jailed for three months and banned for six years for his part in the post-Sunderland game disorder. He used an industrial-sized wheelie bin as a battering ram.

Other thugs to have been banned include Tony Heslop, 18, of Killingworth, North Tyneside, who was trapped by the DNA he left on a bottle thrown at Cristiano Ronaldo. And racist father-of-five Lee Gourley, of Albion Street, Windy Nook, Gateshead, was snared in an undercover sting, which saw an officer planted in a seat near him as he chanted hate-filled songs.

Figures released by the British Transport Police expose the North East as the region with the most arrests last year. Almost a fifth of the 601 arrests for football-related crimes were in the North East, with a 10% increase in incidents.

BTP Assistant Chief Constable Operations Alan Pacey said “Alcohol-fuelled disorder was the most prevalent problem, with an increase from 305 to 337 incidents nationally. We also had 25 police officers assaulted during the season – the highest number ever recorded by BTP.”

Chief Insp Jane Townsley, of BTP in the North East Area, said: “We will use all the tools at our disposal to rid the railway system of football troublemakers.

“Our number one concern is ensuring that well-behaved fans as well as other members of the public can travel in safety.”


Christopher Brannan

Video : http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/videos-pictures/videos/2008/09/16/toon-football-yobs-banned-72703-21830129/

Slaven Belupo (Croatia) - CSKA Moscow (Russia) - 18/09/2008

Source : L'Equipe

Two CSKA fans were beaten up.

NEC Bye After Dinamo Bucharest Ban? - 19/09/2008

Source : Goal.com

Romanian side Dinamo Bucharest are facing a possible ban from the UEFA Cup, which would allow Eredivisie side NEC to progress the group phase.

Eredivisie side NEC faced Romanian side Dinamo Bucharest at home on Thursday and impressed with a 1-0 win. The Romanian fans had a hard time accepting the fact that their beloved team was losing and expressed their displeasure physically.

The Dinamo fans threw burning torches at NEC supporters and demolished the seats in the away section of stadium De Goffert.

According to De Gelderlander, the Romanian giants won’t allow their fans to visit Dinamo’s away fixtures in the future. However, this stance might come too late, since the UEFA has started an investigation and will come up with a sanction on the 25th of September.

Dinamo Bucharest are possibly facing a huge fine or a 3-0 forfeit and it’s even an option that UEFA could banish them from the competition altogether.

Dutch giants Feyenoord were booted out of the UEFA Cup in 2006 after a supporters' riot in Nancy, France. They also received a 60,000 euros fine for their fans behaviour.

Austria Wien - Spartak Trnava - 06/09/2008

Source : Ultras.sk

Carlisle United FC - Leeds United AFC - 20/09/2008

Source : Whitehaven news

Carlisle v Leeds game passes off peacefully

Carlisle United's football match at home to Leeds United on Saturday passed off without serious disorder.

Police are delighted with the success of a meticulously-planned operation to prevent clashes between rival fans.

A 22-year-old man from Leeds was arrested for disorder outside Carlisle’s Brunton Park ground before kick-off.

And one Carlisle fan was ejected during the game.

Otherwise, police reported no problems.

That compares with 21 arrests before and after the same fixture last season, and 14 when the teams met again in the play offs in May.

The man in charge of the operation, chief superintendent Andy Davidson, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the way things have gone.

“It was a large-scale operation that required a lot of planning and it has paid off.”

On police advice, the kick-off was brought forward from 3pm to 12.15pm.

Mr Davidson added: “The early kick-off has contributed to the success of the operation by reducing the opportunity for consumption of alcohol.

“That is something we will consider for the future for appropriate games.”

The operation involved police from all over Cumbria, some of whom had their rest days cancelled.

In total 130 officers were on duty, all equipped with body armour and some with tasers.

That figure included four mounted police from Cleveland and 10 dog handlers.

Regular police were backed by special constables and community support officers.

So-called “spotters” from the West Yorkshire force also travelled to Cumbria to identify known troublemakers.

Leeds fans made up around 2,500 of the 12,178 crowd.

The away following was cut by 1,000 on last season, again on police advice.

Many of the Leeds supporters arrived on 14 coaches and around 75 on a special train.

Officers routinely searched fans of both clubs as they left Carlisle railway station.

The Griffin pub in Court Square was set aside for Leeds supporters.

Bemused shoppers looked on as police escorted 200 or so fans along Warwick Road to Brunton Park.

But the Leeds fans were good natured, even mocking themselves with the chant: “We’re not famous any more.”

They were in even better humour after Leeds' 2-0 win.

And police were on hand to prevent clashes as a group of young Carlisle fans waited to goad the Leeds supporters returning to the station.

Chelsea FC - Manchester United FC - 21/09/2008

Source : footylatest.com

Man Utd coach attacked by Chelsea hooligans

Chelsea and Man Utd fought out a nervous 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge yesterday, but there was a disturbing incident as the Man Utd coach left the ground after the match.

Chelsea fans booed and jeered the Man Utd players, and a bottle was thrown at the windscreen. Luckily it only cracked and their were no injuries. A Man Utd spokesman said: "Yes. There was an incident but the matter is now in the hands of the police,"

Chelsea also issued a statement that said: "We are aware of reports of an altercation with the Manchester United bus as it left the Stamford Bridge area.

"It appears to be an isolated incident but we have launched a full investigation in conjunction with local authorities.

"We do not condone violence in any shape or form. If, as a result of our investigations, we find that any Chelsea supporters were involved we will take appropriate action against those individuals."

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Source : Mirror

Chelsea fans attack Manchester United team coach

The Manchester United team bus was attacked as it left Stamford Bridge after yesterday's bad-tempered draw at Chelsea.

A Blues fan was arrested after a stone was thrown at the coach and a window was cracked. All the United players were on board at the time and the coach continued its journey across London to Euston Station, where the squad caught a train back to Manchester.

A United spokesman said: "There was an incident and it's now in the hands of the police."

And a Chelsea statement last night said: "It appears to be an isolated incident but we have launched a full investigation in conjunction with local authorities."

Aston Villa charity boss is convicted football hooligan - 20/09/2008

Source : Sunday Mercury

AN Aston Villa charity boss can today be revealed as a convicted football hooligan who is barred from every ground in the country.

Karl Court, 47, was given a five-year ban and community service sentence after taking part in a sickening mass brawl with rival West Bromwich Albion fans in front of terrified families.

Yet despite the criminal conviction he has been allowed to continue in his high-profile role as General Secretary of the prestigious Aston Villa Former Players’ Association.

Villa and Albion meet again today in a Premiership clash at the Hawthorns – but shamefaced Court will not be attending. He said: “I’m sorry for having been so stupid.”

Karl Court has been General Secretary of the club’s Former Players’ Association since 2003 and works with claret and blue stars to raise money for worthy causes.

But the Sunday Mercury has learned that Court is a convicted soccer hooligan who took part in a sickening mass brawl with rival West Bromwich Albion fans in front of terrified Midlands families.

The 47 year-old, from Yardley, Birmingham, was later arrested and appeared in court alongside 50 other thugs where he was given a community service order – and banned from every football ground in the country for five years.

The boozed-up fans, some armed with iron bars, wooden posts, bricks, bottles and glasses, went on the rampage outside Uplands pub in Oxhill Road, Handsworth, following the derby match in August 2004.

Terrified passers-by, including a woman with two young children, cowered in fear as the fighting continued for seven minutes with up to 80 men fighting in the pitched battles.

The violence, which came two hours after a 1-1 draw between the teams, spilled into neighbouring streets until police in full riot gear were sent to the scene to break up the organised fighting.

Rocks and stones littered the area afterwards.

Police later trawled through CCTV footage and eventually arrested dozens of the soccer yobs. They were amazed to discover the hooligans were from all walks of life and included a millionaire company director, an ex-soldier who had served in Iraq and an ambulance driver.

Most had no previous convictions for hooliganism.

Villa meet the Baggies again today in a lunchtime Premiership clash at the Hawthorns – but Court is barred from attending.

Yet despite his criminal conviction he was allowed to continue in his high-profile role as General Secretary of the Villa FPA, which has billionaire club owner Randy Lerner as its Honorary Patron.

The organisation was set-up by Aston Villa old boy Neil Rioch in 1995 to help former stars who had fallen on hard times and to raise money for local charities.

When confronted about his conviction claret and blue fanatic Court, who named his son Alfred Villa Frederick Court (AVFC), apologised about his part in the soccer riot.

He said: “Unfortunately, I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and have paid for it ever since.

“But I am immensely proud of the work that I do within the Aston Villa FPA and this has helped me to focus and get my life back on track after what was a traumatic time for myself and my family.

“As someone that had not missed a home game for some 28 years, nor an away game for almost 18 years, not being able to attend Aston Villa matches has been like chopping my right arm off.

‘‘But by throwing myself even more into all the fantastic voluntary work that the FPA do, it has helped me to refocus.

“I would like people to be made aware of the fact that I am extremely remorseful and sorry for being so stupid as to even be remotely involved on this terrible day.

“I would also like them to be aware that prior to this happening and indeed ever since, I have been fully involved in helping to make Villa’s FPA the number one FPA in the country, and in helping it raise over £1 million since 2003, when I became General Secretary, thus helping various local and national charities and good causes.

“All of this work is carried out voluntarily for which neither I nor Neil Rioch, the Chairman, receive any payment whatsoever.”

Court was given the community order and soccer ground ban in late 2005, but details did not emerge until the final cases were completed more than a year later.

Of those charged, 37 were Villa fans and 23 were Albion supporters.

Ringleader Simon Hamblett, 35 and from Walsall, pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit violent disorder and was jailed for three years after admitting organising the fight.

Millionaire company boss Darron Brough, 41 and from Aldridge, was sentenced to 15 months and was banned from football matches for seven years.

Mark O’Connor, an ambulance driver from Oldbury, was sentenced to 22 months and received a seven-year ban.

Soldier Darren Williams, 36, from Longbridge, was handed a 12 months sentence, suspended for two years, alongside a five-year ban.

Speaking at the time, West Midlands Police Detective Constable Martin Woodall said the sentences sent out a powerful warning to hooligans.

He said: “The message should be clear. If you go to football matches intent on causing trouble you will be arrested, put before the courts and banned from watching the game.

“It should be made clear that, while these people may claim to be football fans they are, in fact, criminals.”

Yet Neil Rioch, founder of Aston Villa Former Players’ Association, defended the decision to allow Court to stay in his charity role.

“I am fully aware of the banning order given to Karl Court in 2005,’’ he said.

“Karl told me immediately of the incident he became involved in and of the likely outcome, which was the banning order.

“I spoke at length with Karl about the situation, for which he expressed total remorse and offered his resignation as General Secretary to protect the excellent reputation of the FPA and the name of Aston Villa in general.

“We do not condone any form of bad behaviour or disorder whatsoever. However, after my discussions with other former players and a great deal of consideration, I felt it was in the best interests of the FPA, and for Karl Court himself, that he remained in post to carry on making the great contribution he had made prior to the incident.

“Knowing Karl’s character, I believed this decision was the right one.

‘‘Since then, he has been a major contributor to the Aston Villa FPA’s success and development into what is widely recognised as the leading former players’ association in the country.

‘‘Given that since the banning order was imposed on Karl, we have raised nearly £1 million for local and national charities and individual good causes, I can’t think how Karl could have served the community better.”

Aston Villa declined to comment.

Life ban warning for football fans - 20/09/2008

Source : WalesOnline

FANS who cause trouble at the Swansea versus Cardiff derby on Tuesday could be banned from football grounds for life, police have warned.

The stern warning comes ahead of the first meeting between the clubs for seven years. South Wales Police assistant chief constable, Bob Evans, said: “Officers will be responding to any inappropriate behaviour.

“We will police fans robustly. We are the cheapest bed and breakfast in town. But if you want to spend a night in the cells, it’s not a good time. My advice to anyone is – you will get arrested, you will get charged, and you might not watch a football match again.”

Mr Evans said uniformed and plain-clothed police officers will be at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday night.


Fans spilled on to the pitch during the trouble at Ninian Park in 1993

VFB Stuttgart - Karlsruher SC - 21/09/2008

Source : vfb-bilder.de + LostBoys99 + Stuttgarter Nachrichten

500 policemen were present to this derby game.
They made an intervention inside the stadium when some of the 5000 KSC fans who made the trip broked up a gate.
Missiles were threw.
Eight people were arrested and 23 others injured.







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Source : Mail (thanks to the sender)

Nothing were allowed to karlsruhe and everybody were checked. there were nothing but a few little fights after the game with the police and securities in and in fornt of the stadium.


some stuttgart lads, maybe 70, wants to get in touch with karlsruhe after the match, but the police interrupted.



before the match stuttgart were waiting more than 4hours with more than 200lads for karlsruhe. but they didnt come.

Serbia (3rd div.) : FK Lisovic - FK Zemun - 21/09/2008

Source : Taurunumboys87 website

Real Betis - Sevilla FC - 21/09/2008

Source : Eurosport + Diario de Sevilla

Betis reported for fans' Nazi symobols

Referee Alfonso Perez Burrull has reported Real Betis fans for displaying Nazi symbols in the stands during the city derby against Sevilla.

A number of Nazi paraphernalia were seen in the section of the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera containing home fans during the hotly contested clash, which ended in a goalless draw.

And Betis now face sanctions after the official chose to include the sightings in his post-match report.

"In the stand behind the goal occupied by home fans there were a good number of flags and banners with Nazi symbols, and Spanish flags with similar symbols and the pre-constitution coat of arms (from the era of right-wing dictator Francisco Franco)," Perez Burrull said.

On the pitch, Betis put in a stirring performance, although the stalemate meant they have failed to beat their arch rivals in the last five league meetings between the sides.

Le Havre - Lyon - 21/09/2008

Source : Le Progrès

After the game, french CRS used cs-gas against the Lyon fans.

Serbia : Rad Beograd - Partizan Beograd - 21/09/2008

Source : casopis.izaberipartizan.com

Bosnia : Slavija - FK Željeznicar - 21/09/2008

Source : Mail + The Maniacs website

AS Roma - Reggina - 21/09/2008

Source: Ansa (thanks to the sender)

A Reggina fan was stabbed outside the Olimpico stadium, just prior to the game.
This young man was with 2 others friends when they were assaulted by 5 Roma supporters.
The man was stabbed at his leg and was transfered at hospital.

Aldershot Town - Gillingham FC - 20/09/2008

Source: forum

Sixty mixed Gillingham (40 lads) made the trip to Aldershot and took place in a pub, told by police they will be escorted to the ground but finally the entire mob was surrounded by OB and the lads weren't allowed to go to the game and have to leave the town.

VIDEOS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq1GNTYJjNk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSnO3fKQkX0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pVtNzcSW0g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qFs3tdiv7Q

Scotland: Hamilton Accies - Hibernians - 20/09/2008

Source: forum

Hibs Youth attacked the local pub; Hamilton came out of the pub and it was toe to toe with traffic cones and other objects being used.
It seems Hibs youth were done by locals.

Poland: Stal Rzeszów - Resovia Rzeszów - 21/09/2008

Source: http://www.sebafoto.fora.pl

Sporting Portugal - Belenenses - 20/09/2008

Source: mail (thanks to the sender)

Ten minutes prior to the game, stewards don't let local fans enter the stadium because they had some kind of problems.
Our lot arrive close to the door after a few minutes and they kicked off with stewards and OB.
After a few minutes they let us enter the stadium, like other supporters.

Feyenoord - AFC Ajax - 21/09/2008

Source : Nu.nl + mail (thanks to the sender)

About 20 people were arrested during this high-risks game.
One 17-year old boy was attacked when he was cheering in a feyenoordstand when ajax scored the 0-1..( he was with his father and got some punches..In total 10 arrests for minor things at feyenoord - ajax.. like drinking in the streets,public disorder and discrimination..

and 30 people got fined for small things like pissing where it's not allowed and stuff like that..


© Traduction Underground Fans

Olimpia Asuncion (Paraguay) - Universidad Católica (Chile) - Copa Sudamericana - 18/09/2008

Source : ABC

At 85th minute of playing and after several troubles, bolivian referee René Ortubé, defitively stopped the game when a linesman Jorge Caldéron received a missile on his head.
At the end of the game, chilean players coach was pelted with rocks.

Poli Timisoara - Partizan Beograd - 18/09/2008

Source : GSP.ro

Serbian fans, members of Grobari mob, provoked troubles in the city center.

France (4th division) : AS St Etienne - Toulon - 21/09/2008

Source : L'Equipe

For this game opposing B squad from St Etienne and Toulon, a violent fight opposed supporters from both sides.
Police forces restored order, using CS gas.

Hoensbroek - Fortuna Sittard - Dutch cup - 23/09/2008

Source: mail (thanks to the sender)

We went with 60 good boys to the match and had contact with Roda JC. They also had a good 50/60 turnout but came together in their main boozer which is allways full with ob..A lot of ob around the amateur ground because they expected something. Roda then tried to come towards us and we went outside looking for them surrounded with ob...They went to a place were they should get together and then come to us , ( ob were following them ) we knew about that place ( by spotters )and walked straight to there..before they could see us we start running around the corner to surprise them..we tried to attack them but they were just gone for 1 or 2 minutes and the whole place was full with ob.. walked for half an hour heavily surrounded by ob through that village but there wasn't that much possible with no Roda around..then drove away and gathered outside that town and contacted Roda..Roda now still had the numbers but Ob spotted us again and we had to go before arrest were made and that was the end of 4 hours waiting , walking and driving..5 boys of Roda had to show I.D. to ob and were writed down..

best turnout for us since years..

FC Barcelona - Sporting portugal - 16/09/2008

Source : Mail (thx to the sender)

Before the game about 30 Sporting lads attacked a pub full of Barcelona Ultras (same number). Nice scene to start the Champions...