Season 08/09 - March

Germany: 1. FSV Mainz 05 - FC Augsburg - 08/03/2009

Source : allgemeine-zeitung.de

Police forces had a lot of work with both sides of supporters during this game.
Troubles started during 1st and 2nd half times, but also at the end of the game, when Augsburg fans tried to reach locals.
Police restored order inside and outside the stadium.
A policeman was injured.

Translation Underground Fans

1.FC Union Berlin - Dynamo Dresden - 08/03/2009

Source : sueddeutsche.de

16 people were arrested by police forces during this high-risks game.
1000 policemen were on duty for this game with 3000 Dresden fans who made the trip on special trains.

Translation Underground Fans


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Source : BULTRAS

Uefa rules out Euro final switch - 12/03/2009

Source: BBC

Uefa has ruled out moving the Champions League final away from Rome after an Arsenal fan was stabbed before their game with Roma on Wednesday.

The Liberal Democrats have called for the final to be taken away from Rome.

But Uefa believes there are logistical problems in switching the match as the final is due to take place on 27 May.

"We are two months from the event, so it's not really possible," said William Gaillard, special advisor to Uefa president Michel Platini.

Last season's final in Moscow was contested between two English clubs - Manchester United and Chelsea - and there is a strong possibility there will be a Premier League club in the final again with Arsenal, Liverpool and last year's two finalists in the quarter-finals.

And Lib Dem sports spokesman Don Foster has written to sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe, raising his concern that fans of the four English clubs - if any of the top-flight teams reach the final - may not be safe if they have to travel to the Italian capital.

We aren't thinking of moving the final at this stage

William Gaillard
"With Italian authorities seemingly incapable of keeping travelling fans safe, it seems totally inappropriate for them to hold the Champions League final," said Foster.

"There have been at least 23 stabbings and numerous attacks on English fans in Rome over the last few years. Something seems to be going badly wrong in the way Italian football is being policed."

Speaking before Foster's call for the switch, Gallaird said he believes the absence of any Italian clubs in the competition after Juventus, Inter Milan and Roma were knocked out by Chelsea, United and Arsenal this week will help the Italian police.

"Roma has now become a defacto neutral venue for the final which should make life easier," said Gallaird.

"Wednesday's incident gives us food for thought, but we are confident we will have everything in place to ensure a safe final for all fans.

"This was a regrettable incident and any incident like this is one too many. We've been speaking to the Italian authorities regularly in the run up to final and we will be asking them to step up their efforts in light of this event.

"We aren't thinking of moving the final at this stage."

England - following Aldershot-Brentford: Nine held in football violence probe - 12/03/2009

Source: The Scotsman

A total of 60 police officers have taken part in dawn raids to arrest nine men suspected of taking part in football-related violence at an Aldershot railway station.
British Transport Police (BTP) and Hampshire police took part in the operation held as part of an investigation into the incident at Ash Vale station on October 18 last year.

The incident occurred after a match between Aldershot Town and Brentford
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at the EBB stadium in Aldershot.

A BTP spokesman said that the incident involved a group of Brentford supporters being escorted by police on a train being confronted by a large number of men believed to be Aldershot supporters.

BTP Det Insp Matt Wratten said the potential for serious disorder was high but police were on hand to prevent the group from boarding the train.

He said: "Members of the travelling public, including law-abiding football fans, have the right to travel in safety and without fear of being embroiled in violence.

"We will be seeking football banning orders against any supporter who seeks to involve themselves in disorder on the railways."

The arrested suspects included six men, aged 18, 20, 21, 24, 25 and 36, from Aldershot, along with a 40-year-old from Farnborough, a 17-year-old from Fleet and a 47-year-old from Farnham.

The suspects have been released on bail until April 9 pending further inquiries.

1.FC Koln - Borussia Monchengladbach - 14/03/2008

Source: express.de

Translation soon
















Videos : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l48qZJk3oe8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEAPIQRS-sY&feature=channel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei0l_y5yFzc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbU9kSqfVIY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRbD96w9QIM

Castellón - Rayo Vallecano - 13/03/2009

Source: forum

Local ultras threw missiles at Rayo supporters.
Bukaneros (ultras from Rayo) reacted and police forces charged them.

VIDEO:

http://www.rtve.es/mediateca/videos/20090315/incidentes-segunda/448870.shtml

Poland: Odra Opole - GKS Jastrzębie - 14/03/2009

Source: http://virango.pl

Alavès - Real Zaragoza - 14/03/2009

Source: El Correo Digital

Riots between supporters of Zaragoza and Alavès

A 32 year old young man, from Zaragoza was stopped yesterday in Vitoria, in the first hours of the afternoon following public disorders which have occurred in the downtown area, during a confrontation between supporters, announced the Basque department of the Interior.

Troubles took place on the place of the White Virgin at 3.20pm, almost 3 hours before the beginning of the game between the two teams.
Apparently, about 50 Zagaroza supporters were sat at tables on the terraces of pubs in the neighborhoods of the place of the Deputy, when they saw a small group of local supporters.
Chairs and bottles were then launched in their direction.
Eyewitnesses also specified that projectiles had been also launched against several hotel establishments of the zone.
The police force intervened quickly.

The person arrested was it for attempt at aggression on the person of a police officer who tried to carry out his identification.
The young man could also be followed for public disorder and damages.
After he was arrested he was transfered to hospital due to wounds at his face.

Forty-eight other members of Zaragoza Ligallo firm were identified after having taken share, it seems, with the incidents.
They all were aligned against a wall and were excavated.
The police officers requisitioned various objects and pre-constitutional flags of Spain.

Escorted

Once the finished identification, the group was escorted by Ertzaintza to the stadium, where, during the game, no other incident took place.
At the end of the game police forces escorted them outside the city.

Translation Underground Fans

Belgium: La Louvière - Eendracht Aalst - 14/03/2009

Source: forum

A pre-planned off opposed 30/35 locals (including 7 Charleroi) to 22 Aalst lads.
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Source: mail (thanks to the sender)

During the week phone calls were exchanged for 25 vs 25.
Finally, locals arrived with 27. In front of them, about the same number.

Locals charged and immediately Aalst firt line explosed. Locals continue their march on for about 30 seconds...Aalst ran away.

Good toe-to-toe.

Slovakia: FK Dubnica - MK Zilina - 14/03/2009

Source: https://www.youtube.com

Firecrackers and seats were thrown from Zilina supporters to the pitch.

VIDEO:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxyN-WQh26M

Beitar Jerusalem fans suspected of hurling flare at journalist's home - 11/03/2009

Source: http://www.haaretz.com

Police arrested on Tuesday four Beitar Jerusalem supporters on suspicion of hurling a flare at journalist Orly Vilnai's home.

Vilnai, the presenter of the investigative television program "Hashtulim" (The Moles), launched an investigation into a radical group of Beitar supporters, known as La Familia.

On Tuesday, Vilnai and her staff met with fans of the Jerusalem soccer club and showed them footage from the report, in which the members of the group are engaged in violent activity.
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The perpetrators were filmed on a closed-circuit television system, which was installed in Vilnai's home after Keshet Productions CEO Avi Nir was assaulted some four months ago, as they were making explicit threats to her life.

Haaretz has learned that one of Vilnai's researchers penetrated the group, equipped with a secret video camera, and filmed two of its members instructing two teens how to make their way into the Israel Football Association offices in Ramat Gan and set them ablaze, as well as the smuggling of weapons into soccer fields.

"They were very militant, very violent, and kept threatening my researcher and film crew throughout the meeting," Vilnai said on Tuesday. "They told me, 'you don't know what world you're entering,' but also said they don't hit women. I said, 'at least I'm safe,' so they said, 'for now.'"

La Familia was set up in 2005 as a result of dissent among Beitar supporters as to the nature of their desired activity. Its members, who are 16 to 25 years old, attempt to give it an image of underground organization. They are associated with far-right movements, and were sometimes seen among Kahane supporters. The group's violent record led the Beitar management to disavow them.

Man City fan wins court replay - 11/03/2009

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

A MANCHESTER City fan has overturned a football banning order after convincing a judge he had not chanted offensive songs about Manchester United or abused a police officer.

Bordeaux - OGC Nice - 14/03/2009

Source: mail (merci à l'expéditeur)


Banners stolen to Nice fans

Exeter City - Bradford City - 14/03/2009

Source: BBC (thanks to the sender)

Football fans fight after match

Police in Exeter dealt with a series of fights between football fans.
Officers were called to several incidents in the city centre after Exeter City's 1-0 victory over Bradford City at St James' Park on Saturday.
In one incident about 20 people were fighting in Sidwell Street. Two men, one Exeter fan and one Bradford fan, were arrested during the trouble.
Police said they had received no intelligence to indicate that any violence had been planned.
Group dispersed
Police said they received a number of 999 calls at about 1705 GMT informing them that a large fight involving supporters was ongoing in Sidwell Street.
Officers attended the scene and the group dispersed.
Football-related fights then broke out at various locations within the city centre, the force said, and more officers from east and mid Devon were sent in to the city to assist local police.
After two hours, the Bradford City supporters were put on their coach and escorted out of the city.
The arrested Exeter fan was charged with a public order offence. The 39-year-old Bradford fan was arrested on suspicion of causing an affray and released on police bail until 15 April.
There were no reports of any major injuries.

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Source : Yorkshire Post

Police overwhelmed as rival football fans brawl in streets

FOOTBALL fans from Yorkshire were involved in a mass brawl with rival supporters at the weekend, initially overwhelming police resources.
Fighting broke out between supporters of Exeter City and Bradford City in the centre of the Exeter on Saturday following the match between the two sides, leaving police officers outnumbered by 10 to one until back-up arrived.

Devon and Cornwall Police received several 999 calls about the fighting as they responded to the brawl which spilled across local streets and was described as on a scale not seen in Exeter for some time.

However, the five officers who were first to arrive at the scene in were forced to wait for reinforcements after discovering the brawl involved about 50 people.

The fighting broke out shortly after 5pm following the conclusion of the League Two game at St James Park.

Police made two arrests, including a Bradford City fan who was arrested on suspicion of affray but later released on bail pending further inquiries.

A man from Exeter was also charged with a public order offence.

Inspector Andy Spittle said: "Although there were sporadic fights, I would say it was one incident that spilled across the city. After the match we received a number of 999 calls from members of the public to say there was a large fight in the city centre.

"The first call came through at 5.06pm and the first unit arrived there at 5.09pm. Others got there in nine minutes.

"Unfortunately if it's a large brawl five police officers aren't going to make much of a difference."

Police reinforcements were called in from Tiverton and Exmouth up to 15 miles away, and dog teams were also used to get the situation under control.

Insp Spittle said: "When we got there, there were about 40 to 50 people from Exeter and Bradford involved in a fight.

"As more police arrived it started to disperse. For a couple of hours after that the police were dealing with a significant public order incident in the city centre.

"We ended up managing to get the coaches going back to Bradford and then calm the rest down.

"It was over after one-and-a-half to two hours later, once the Bradford fans had gone."

Bradford City club secretary Jon Pollard said: "We have not been made aware of any incident. There was no trouble at the game. We were the last ones to leave the ground on Saturday and some of our fans were waiting outside to give us messages of support. There were around 500 of our fans at the game and we were as good as gold.

"I have not been told anything by our football intelligence officer from West Yorkshire Police who would normally let us know if there was any trouble involving fans."

Exeter City supporters writing on forum website Exeweb have criticised Devon and Cornwall Police for being unable to control the incident – describing the police presence as "laughable".

However, Insp Spittle said the police relied on intelligence from both clubs and police liaison officers to inform them if a game was likely to attract crowd trouble. In those cases the police step up their presence in anticipation of trouble.

Insp Spittle added: "There was no intelligence to suggest that any violence would occur."

Exeter City match day announcer Barry Fulls said the club had not seen trouble on such a scale for a long time.

Millwall FC - Leicester City - 14/03/2009

Source: https://www.youtube.com

Police horses charged about 200 wall fans after being met with a volley of missiles.

VIDEOS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AnjMW04ePQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrFCrdJ033g

Iraqi footballer shot dead by fan - 15/03/2009

Source: BBC

An Iraqi football player has been shot dead by a spectator as he was about to score an equalising goal.

The shooting happened in the last minute of a game between two local rivals on Sunday, police say.

The striker was shot in the head during the match in the city of Hilla, according to local security officials.

The game was being played between Sinjar and Buhayra. The suspected killer has been arrested as police carry out an investigation.

Vitesse Arnhem - NAC Breda - 14/03/2009

Source: local press

Police prevent a confrontation between supporters

Saturday evening, police forces of Arnhem prevented a confrontation between two groups of football supporters.
No arrest was carried out and, apparently, no person was wounded.

At 6.30pm about thirty NAC Breda supporters face 50 locals.
Police succeeded in interposing quickly, thus separating the belligerents.

Traduction Underground Fans

Spartak Moscow - Zenit St Petersburg - 15/03/2009

Source: AFP

Five hundred Zenit fans arrested

Over 500 fans of UEFA Cup champions Zenit St Petersburg were arrested here on Sunday as violence broke out at their Russian Premier League match with Spartak Moscow police reported.

The supporters were arrested for ripping up stadium seats at Luzhniki stadium, and launching them at Spartak fans. Fireworks and smoke cartridges were also let off during the match.

More that 52,000 spectators, including 8,000 visiting supporters, were at the match which ended a 1-1 draw.

Around 3,000 police officers were on duty.







Video :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8kK7562Zks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co2AkHK9PQc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9yfh2nyHww

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Source: http://www.russiatoday.ru

Hundreds arrested after fans clash

Over six hundred people were arrested Sunday after rioting at a football match in the Russian capital.

Violent confrontations inside the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow took place between supporters of Spartak Moscow and Zenit Saint-Petersburg.

Police moved into the stadium to stop clashing fans who were tearing seats from their bases and throwing them into the crowds. Fans from both teams used fireworks as weapons and proceeded to beat each other.

It was reported that during the match Zenit fans tried to provoke fights with Spartak fans as well as the police. Police say most of those arrested were drunk.

The two teams have a long-standing tradition of mutual antagonism.






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Source: AFP

500 football fans arrested after violent clashes

More than 500 fans of UEFA Cup champions Zenit St Petersburg have been arrested in Moscow as violence broke out at their Russian Premier League match with Spartak Moscow, police reported.

The supporters were arrested for ripping up stadium seats at Luzhniki stadium and launching them at Spartak fans.

Fireworks and smoke cartridges were also let off during the match.

More that 52,000 spectators, including 8,000 visiting supporters, were at the match which ended 1-1.

Around 3,000 police officers were on duty.

Meanwhile, an Iraqi soccer player has been killed by a stray bullet when one of his team\'s supporters fired off several rounds to celebrate their victory, police said.

The game had just ended in a 1-0 home win for Annana over Sinjar, neighbouring village teams west of Hilla city, police lieutenant Ali al-Khafaji said.

"A stray bullet hit Annana player Haider Hakem in the chest and he died," he said.

Police arrested the suspected killer from Annana, a rural settlement about 10 kilometres from Hilla, which is 120 kilometres south of Baghdad.

Fans often launch into a blaze of triumphal gunfire in Iraq when major league teams clash.



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Source : Fansmagazine









video of incident yesterday, zenit at the left, spartak at right
http://www.life.ru/video/9216

VIDEOS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9yfh2nyHww
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co2AkHK9PQc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8kK7562Zks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2epe1LSsyYA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pzMWhAzq7Y&feature=related
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnUgYA_C67I&feature=related
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gmwb5q-p5aY

Botev Plovdiv - PVC Levski Sofia - 14/03/2009

Source : Standart News

Football Weekend Unleashes Hooliganism in Bulgaria

A cannonade of bangers at the stadium in Plovdiv and a fight between football hooligans marred the football weekend in Bulgaria. Levski won 1-0 as guests in Plovdiv, but their assistant coach, Tony Zdravkov, was injured by a banger exploding in his feet and Defender Yordan Miliev was hit with a mobile phone.
About sixty hooligans started a rumble at the Entrance of Sofia’s Vasil Levski National Stadium, injuring policemen and passers-by.

Boca Juniors - Argentinos Juniors - 15/03/2009

Source: Reuters

Two shot as Boca fans fight amongst themselves

An 85-year-old woman and 55-year-old man were shot when Boca Junior fans fought amongst themselves before their team's match against Argentinos Juniors on Sunday, an emergency services official said.

The woman, who had nothing to do with the supporters, was hit in the leg while the man suffered a serious head injury after he was also shot, Alberto Cresenti told the TN cable news channel.

The latest bout of Argentine football violence broke out near Boca's Bombonera stadium, situated in a working-class district just south of the centre, around four hours before kick off.

Media reports said rival factions of the Boca supporters group known as The 12 clashed in an area of fast food restaurants known as Parque Lezama.

During the fighting, at least one man opened fire and four or five shots were heard, local media said. More than 100 people were reported to be involved in the fighting. Six were arrested.

It was the second successive week that rival factions of The 12 have fought before a game. Last week, dozens were arrested during a pitched battle before the game away to Independiente.

In a separate incident on Sunday, fans of rival clubs Argentinos Juniors and Racing Club also clashed even though their teams were involved in different games.

Buses carrying supporters to their respective matches crossed paths near the centre of Buenos Aires and rivals fans pelted each other's vehicle with stones, media reports said.

Television pictures showed the buses surrounded by police cars after the road had been cordoned off. More than 100 fans were reported to have been detained.

Argentine soccer suffers from chronic violence often blamed on organised supporters groups called barras bravas.

Many groups are split into factions who fight amongst themselves and sometimes take sides with club directors in internal political disputes.

Ten days ago, the match between Godoy Cruz and San Martin-Tucuman was abandoned in the second half after home fans fought with police who tried to stop them attacking the visiting contingent.

Last November, fans of second division Chacarita Juniors hijacked two public buses, forced the passengers to get off and ordered the drivers to take them to their team's game with Talleres.

In January, a gang of around 30 men armed with guns and baseball bats invaded the headquarters of Rosario-based first division side Newell's Old Boys and intimidated staff.

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Source: The Guardian

Pair shot after Boca Junior fans fight among themselves

An 85-year-old woman and 55-year-old man were shot after Boca Junior fans began fighting among themselves prior to their team's match against Argentinos Juniors on Sunday.

The woman, not a supporter herself, was hit in the leg while the man suffered a serious head injury after clashes erupted outside Boca's Bombonera stadium four hours before kick off. Media reports said rival factions of the Boca supporters group The 12 were involved.

More than 100 people were reported to be involved in the fighting during which between four and five shots were heard. Six people were arrested.

It was the second successive week that rival factions of The 12 have fought before a game. Last week, dozens were arrested during a pitched battle before the game away to Independiente.

In a separate incident on Sunday, fans of rival clubs Argentinos Juniors and Racing Club also clashed even though their teams were involved in different games.

Buses carrying supporters to their respective matches crossed paths near the centre of Buenos Aires and rivals fans pelted each other's vehicle with stones, media reports added.

Television pictures showed the buses surrounded by police cars after the road had been cordoned off. More than 100 fans were reported to have been detained.

Ten days ago, the match between Godoy Cruz and San Martin-Tucuman was abandoned in the second half after home fans fought with police who tried to stop them attacking the visiting contingent while last November, fans of second division Chacarita Juniors hijacked two public buses, forced the passengers to get off and ordered the drivers to take them to their team's game with Talleres.

Exeter City FC slam street brawl thugs - 16/03/2009

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

EXETER City Football Club has condemned a gang of yobs who started a mass brawl with visiting fans in the city centre after Saturday's match.

Police found themselves confronted by an aggressive crowd outnumbering them 10 to one when they arrived to deal with a fight in Sidwell Street.

The five officers first there could do little but wait for back-up.

The brawl, involving up to 50 people, started outside the old Debenhams building shortly after City's 1-0 victory over League Two promotion rivals Bradford City in front of a 5,000-plus crowd at St James's Park.

A number of 999 calls were made and the police were able to disperse the main brawl but smaller fights broke out across the city centre.

The incident took two hours to bring under control and officers were drafted in from Tiverton and Exmouth to help.

Police detained two fans and were today reviewing CCTV footage with a view to making more arrests.

Inspector Andy Spittle said: "The first call came through at 5.06pm and the first unit arrived there at 5.09pm. Others got there in nine minutes.

"Unfortunately, if it's a large brawl, five police officers aren't going to make much of a difference.

"When we got there, there were about 40 to 50 people from Exeter and Bradford involved in a fight.

"As more police arrived they started to disperse.

"For a couple of hours after that the police were dealing with a significant public order incident in the city centre. It stretched from the old Debenhams to Gandy Street."

It is believed the Bradford fans were being escorted to their coach when they were set upon.

Willem Kuyken and his daughter Zoe, 11, saw the fight break out after watching the match.

He said: "Someone threw either a glass or a bottle at someone else, then a group of men started to fight. It's the sort of thing you see on CCTV, when they've got someone on the ground kicking their head in.

"There was no police presence at all. I've no idea what happened to that poor man who got his head kicked in. I hope the police and club sort this out. I don't want to have to stop taking my family there."

Frances Farley, operations director for Exeter City, said the club banned known troublemakers from matches. he said: "There's nothing we can do about people outside the ground choosing to fight. We would not call these people supporters. We don't want them here."

She believed the Exeter gang involved in the fight had not been at the game but had been sitting in a pub all afternoon.

She said: "These people use Exeter City as a badge under which to carry out their mindless violence. There were no incidents at the match and the Bradford fans had done nothing wrong. It's appalling. All these louts do is give Exeter City a bad name."

Grecians supporters writing on the fans' website forums voiced concern that a heavy police presence had not arrived sooner.

But Insp Spittle said the police relied on both clubs and police liaison officers to inform them if a crowd was potentially violent.

In those cases police stepped up their presence in anticipation of trouble.

"There was no intelligence to suggest that any violence would occur," he added.

Police charged an Exeter man with a public order offence. A Bradford fan, 39, arrested on suspicion of affray, was released on bail.

Anyone with information is asked to call 08452 777444 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Fiji: Police probe attack on fan - 16/03/2009

Source: http://www.fijitimes.com

POLICE are investigating a report by a Labasa fan who claims he was assaulted by a Labasa soccer team official.

Force spokesman Atunaisa Sokomuri said they received a report from an Anish of Korociri, Seaqaqa, that he had been assaulted by the Labasa team manager Mohammed Aiyaz, who is known as 'Cheeky'.

But Mr Aiyaz has denied assaulting any spectator.

"That is a lie because if I had assaulted the spectator, police officers who were at the ground would have arrested me," he said.

The alleged assault occurred during half time of the Labasa Rewa NewWorld National League match at Subrail Park.

Match inspector Samuel Nagaiya confirmed Aiyaz had jumped out of his seat in the reserve bench area and made a bee line for the spectator.

"The spectator had shouted out that one of the team officials should jump onto the field and play and we were surprised to see the manager and another security guard going to the spectator and assaulting him," Mr Nagaiya said.

"This is what I have included in the report I will send to Fiji Football," he said.

Colombia: Once Caldas - Atletico Nacional - 11/03/2009

Source: https://www.youtube.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dzc0NfAKRM

Everton FC - Stoke City - 14/03/2009

Source : Stoke & Staffordshire

Four football fans arrested

FOUR football fans were arrested before Stoke City's clash against Everton at the weekend.

The arrests were made prior to the away match on Saturday, and were for offences including breach of the peace and possession of a controlled drug.

All four people were bailed.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "There was no disorder during the game, other than the usual banter at football matches."

In December last year 27 Stoke City followers were arrested as violence flared with rival fans at the same time as a match against Newcastle United.

Five arrested over Uefa disorder - 16/03/2009

Source : BBC News

Five men have been arrested in Scotland in connection with violence at last year's Uefa Cup Final between Rangers and Zenit St Petersburg in Manchester.

Police said the 21, 24, 27, 34 and 36-year-olds were detained following disorder at the event in May last year.

The arrests come almost a month after police issued CCTV images of 49 men believed to have been involved.

The five men are being taken to Manchester for questioning. Police said more arrests would follow.

An estimated 150,000 Rangers fans travelled to Manchester for the Glasgow club's match with Zenit St Petersburg at the City of Manchester Stadium on 14 May 2008.

Large scale disorder broke out after a screen in the largest fan zone failed before kick-off.

The violence saw officers and supporters clash in the streets, resulting in a number of injuries and criminal damage.

GMP launched Operation Gale to find the people responsible.

Over recent months Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers have ploughed through hours of CCTV, identifying those suspected of being involved.

They also travelled to Strathclyde, and other Scottish police forces, showing offender images to hundreds of officers.

As well as GMP's website, footage was also placed on file-sharing websites YouTube, Facebook and Bebo. The BBC's Crimewatch UK also featured the appeal.

On Monday, five people were arrested following a joint operation by Strathclyde and GMP forces.

A 24-year-old man from East Mains, East Kilbride and a 21-year-old man also from East Kilbride were detained.

'Wanton violence'

The operation also resulted in the arrest of a 34-year-old man from Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire and a 36-year-old man from Glasgow.

GMP said a 27-year-old man from the Greenock area was also arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

Det Sup Geoff Wessell, who is leading the investigation, said: "The appalling events of 14 May 2008 have not been forgotten by GMP or the people of Manchester.

"The operation to bring those responsible to justice has been large and complex, but we have to remember that we were dealing with wanton violence on a large scale.

"Trouble of that magnitude takes time to investigate properly and it cannot be allowed to go unpunished.

"We want these arrests to send out a clear message - if you bring violence to the streets of Manchester, GMP will stop at nothing to bring you to justice."