Season 09/10 - February

Three Supporters Of Argentine Team Newell’s Old Boys Shot - 04/02/2010

Source : Goal.com

The tragic month of incidents continues as three supporters of the South American side have been left hospitalised, with a teenager in a serious condition...

A boy of just 14 years old is in a serious condition in an Argentine hospital after being one of three Newell’s Old Boys supporters injured in another shooting incident to shock the football world.

The AFP news agency reports that the bus the supporters were on was attacked on Wednesday, leaving a handful of supporters with gunshot wounds. The attack occurred near Las Flores, around 250km north of the capital city, Buenos Aires.

“One was hit in the abdomen, another was shot in the neck and the third, a minor of 14 years, received three bullets in his skull and is in the most serious condition,” the police explained in a statement.

Though the police would not reveal who perpetrated the attack, it has been suggested locally that it was fellow fans of Newell’s who were angry after a dispute.

The attack came after the Rosario club had lost 2-1 to Huracan in the Clausura.

This incident is the latest in a line of such tragedies to have blighted football in recent weeks, with the cases of the Togo national side, Salvador Cabanas and Juan Carlos Silva the highest profile.

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Source : Xinhua

14-year-old fan shot to death after match

A 14-year-old Argentine football fan was shot dead on Friday in Rosario city, at the end of a match in the Argentine Clausura soccer tournament.

Walter Caceres was seriously injured after being shot three times in his head and once in the abdomen 4:00 a.m. local time (0700 GMT) on Thursday when he was traveling on a passenger bus which was taking Newell fans to Rosario, more than 400km to Buenos Aires.

Caceres died on Friday noon at the Clemente Alvarez hospital.

Also two other men were injured, who were hospitalized but out of risk.

The fans were coming back to Rosario after a match between Newell and Huracan when the shooting took place.

According to the police, a bus tire was pinched after the vehicle crossed a bridge, and when it stopped, the attack happened.

The police suspected that the attack was an internal fight between the Newell fans.

Another two fans charged over clash - 05/02/2010

Source : Sunderland Echo

Another two Black Cats fans are to face court over a controversial incident at Newcastle Central Station.
A 46-year-old man and a 32-year-old will appear before Sunderland magistrates on Wednesday, charged with violent disorder on August 8 last year.

Twenty SAFC fans have now been charged in connection with the incident, which happened as they returned from a pre-season friendly against Edinburgh club Hearts.

Fifteen other people, believed to be Newcastle United supporters, have been charged with conspiracy to commit violent disorder.

One man remains on police bail.

Sunderland fans and Northumbria Police blamed each other for the incident on the station platform, which left three SAFC supporters seriously injured.

Other investigations have been launched, including potential civil action, but they are on hold while the criminal cases are dealt with.

Birmingham City v Wolves: Police issue warning to trouble makers - 06/02/2010

Source : Birmingham Mail

POLICE have issued a warning to football fans ahead of the crunch derby game between Birmingham City and Wolves tomorrow.

There will be a highly visible police presence around Blues’ St Andrews stadium and in the city centre before, during and after the match.

Chief Supt Surjeet Manku, match day commander, said police had worked closely with both clubs and licensees ahead of the game.

“We recognise local derbies are passionate affairs and feelings can run high, but we urge everyone attending to enjoy the occasion in a good-spirited manner,” he said.

“We’ve no intelligence to suggest any specific problems, but we are aware in general terms of a minority who try to spoil things for the majority.

“We will deal with those people quickly and robustly. Hooligans will be brought before the courts and football-banning orders applied for.”

Toulouse FC - O.Marseille - League Cup - 03/02/2010

Source : alleztfc.com

Authorities waited about 500 Marseille supporters in the away stand, but in fact, most of them were in both terraces of the stadium.

When Marseille scored (2 times), troubles broke out with supporters from both sides.
Stewards intervened and many people were expulsed from the stadium.

Rot-Weiß Oberhausen – FC Hansa Rostock - 05/02/2010

Source : Nachrichten-Magazin

Rostock supporters caused havoc at the Oberhausen trian station after the game.
Everything started with a 6-men small mob who caused troubles inside a fast-food.
Police intervened but at 8.30pm, some 30 other fans attacked 6 policemen throwing bottles and other missiles at them.
One of them was injured at his face.
Then, more policemen intervened and 31 people were controlled by police.

Translation Underground Fans (c)

Argentina: Gimnasia de la Plata - Estudiantes de la Plata - 03/02/2010

Sourc:e mail (thanks to the sender)

The Estudiantes goalkeeper was pelted with missiles so policemen took place in front of Gimnasia supporters stand.
When Gimnasia scored its 3rd goal, a young fan went in the pitch.
No Estudiantes supporters inside the stadium.

Stoke City - Blackburn Rovers - 06/02/2010

Source : BBC News

Man seriously injured at Stoke City football match

A man has been arrested after a Blackburn Rovers fan was found unconscious with a head injury during a game at Stoke City.

The man is critical at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

At just after 1600 GMT police were alerted to an incident in a concourse in a stand which houses Blackburn fans.

It is believed the injured man, thought to be in his late 20s, was hit on the head with a bin. A 25-year-old man from the Preston area has been arrested.

He is helping police with their inquiries, the Staffordshire force said.

The injured man was initially treated at the scene for a head injury and cardiac arrest by staff from West Midlands Ambulance Service and St John Ambulance, police said.

He was then taken to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire for urgent medical treatment.

Officers and club stewards were alerted to the incident in the concourse area of the South stand at the stadium.

CCTV footage has been seized and witnesses interviewed.

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Man hurt at Stoke City football match dies

A man who was injured during a Premier League football match at Stoke City has died in hospital.

Police were alerted to an incident in a concourse of the Britannia Stadium's south stand which housed Blackburn fans just after 1600 GMT on Saturday.

The 30-year-old fan, who was thought to have been hit on the head with a bin, was found unconscious. He was taken to hospital where he later died.

A 25-year-old man from Preston has been arrested over the incident.

Police inquiries

Staffordshire Police said the injured man was initially treated at the scene for a head injury and cardiac arrest by staff from West Midlands Ambulance Service and St John Ambulance.

The fan was resuscitated at the scene and then taken to hospital.

A police spokesman said: "A 30-year-old man was pronounced dead at 1.55am this morning at University Hospital North Staffordshire.

"The circumstances are being fully investigated and a 25-year-old man remains in custody and is helping police with their inquiries."

Ch Insp Adrian Roberts, match commander at the game which saw Stoke beat Blackburn Rovers 3-0, said there were just over 1,300 Blackburn fans at the game, and no Stoke fans were involved in the incident.

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Preston man arrested after football fan dies - 07/02/2010

Source: http://www.lep.co.uk/news/Preston-man-arrested-after-football.6050280.jp

A 25-year-old man from Preston has been arrested after a football fan died in hospital following an incident at Blackburn Rovers' game against Stoke.
The Rovers supporter, a 30-year-old man, was found collapsed and unconscious with a head injury at the start of the second half of the Premier League match between the two clubs at the Britannia Stadium in Stoke on Saturday.

Police said he was found in the concourse area of the south SEAT stand, where the 1,300 travelling Rovers fans were housed, at just after 4pm.

He was initially treated for a head injury and a heart attack by ambulance staff before being taken to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, where he died at just before 2am on Sunday.

Staffordshire Police say he is from Lancashire but have yet to formally identify him.

A man from Preston was arrested by Staffordshire police yesterday following the incident.

Match commander Chief Inspector Adrian Roberts said: "At the moment he is assisting us with our inquiries."

He said the concourse area where the man had been found has been "contained and preserved" to allow an investigation to be carried out.

Sgt Matthew Bennion, of Staffordshire Police, said: "It is with regret that we can now inform you that the 30-year-old man died just before 2am on Sunday. His family are aware and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family at this time.

"A formal identification has yet to take place. A 25-year-old male from the Preston area remains in police custody and is helping police with their injuries. The circumstances are being fully investigated."

Police said the incident was confined to the Blackburn Rovers supporters' section of the ground and no Stoke fans were involved.

A statement on Stoke City's website said Chief Insp Roberts had confirmed the man suffered a "head trauma" in the incident which was confined to the visitors' section of the SEAT stand.

Blackburn Rovers have also notified supporters of the incident on their official website.

A spokesman for Lancashire police said the force would be assisting with any "community issues" in Lancashire following the incident, but Staffordshire police are conducting the investigation.

Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident, is asked to call Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 44 55.

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Source: http://latestnews.virginmedia.com/news/uk/2010/02/06/football_fan_found_injured_at_match?vmsrc=pamread

Fan dies after incident at match

A football fan critically injured at a Premier League match on Saturday has died in hospital, police said.

The Blackburn Rovers supporter was found unconscious in a stand during the clash between Stoke City and Blackburn at Stoke's Britannia Stadium.

He was treated at the scene for a head injury and cardiac arrest, then rushed to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

But Staffordshire Police today said the man died in hospital just before 2am on Sunday.

A spokesman said: "A 30-year-old man was pronounced dead at 1.55am this morning at University Hospital North Staffordshire.

"The circumstances are being fully investigated and a 25-year-old man remains in custody and is helping police with their inquiries."

The victim was found collapsed in the concourse area of the south stand just after the half-time interval, where a group of Blackburn supporters were gathered.

Chief Inspector Adrian Roberts, match commander at the game which saw Stoke beat Blackburn 3-0, said there were just over 1,300 Blackburn fans at the game, and no Stoke fans were involved.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said they were called to the stadium just before 4.20pm on Saturday.

A statement on the Blackburn Rovers website said the man was among a 1,300-strong Rovers following in the South Stand. Stoke City said police were investigating the incident and the club would make no further comment.

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Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1249145/Football-fan-dies-hit-head-bin-Stoke-City-game.html

Football fan dies after being 'hit on head with a bin' at Stoke City game

A football fan critically injured at a Premier League match yesterday has died.

The Blackburn Rovers supporter was found unconscious in a stand during yesterday's clash between Stoke City and Blackburn at Stoke's Britannia Stadium.

The 30-year-old fan, who was thought to have been hit on the head with a bin, was found unconscious. He was taken to hospital where he later died.

The football fan was initially treated at the scene for a head injury and cardiac arrest, then taken to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

But Staffordshire Police today said the man died in hospital just before 2am today.

A 25-year-old man from Preston has been arrested over the incident.

A spokesman said: 'A 30-year-old man was pronounced dead at 1.55am this morning at University Hospital North Staffordshire.

'The circumstances are being fully investigated and a 25-year-old man remains in custody and is helping police with their inquiries.'

The victim was found collapsed in the concourse area of the south stand just after the half-time interval, where a group of Blackburn supporters were gathered.

Chief Inspector Adrian Roberts, match commander at the game which saw Stoke beat Blackburn 3-0, said there were just over 1,300 Blackburn fans at the game, and no Stoke fans were involved.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said they were called to the stadium just before 4.20pm yesterday.

A statement on the Blackburn Rovers website said the man was among a 1,300-strong Rovers following in the South Stand.

Stoke City said police were investigating the incident and the club would make no further comment.

Swansea City football fan banned after Nazi salutes - 06/02/2010

Source: http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/southwalesnews/Swansea-City-football-fan-banned-Nazi-salutes/article-1810738-detail/article.html

A FOOTBALL fan who made Nazi salute gestures while confronting police has been banned from attending matches for the next three years.

Swans supporter Karl Davies, aged 24, of Gomer Road, Townhill, was arrested after officers recognised him from the trouble that flared in the aftermath of the Cardiff derby game on November 7.

Swansea magistrates heard in excess of 100 fans congregated outside the Railway Inn pub in Siloh Road, near the Liberty Stadium after the final whistle.

The crowd began chanting abuse, making obscene gestures and throwing missiles at police.

Prosecutor Helen Edwards said CCTV footage showed Davies in a "jubilant mood, chanting with raised arms".

"He performed a number of Nazi salutes. The officer states Mr Davies appeared to be enjoying the confrontation with police."

Davies was detained on November 17 in Woodfield Street, Morriston, when an officer recognised him from the footage of the football trouble.

On arrest he was searched and found to be in possession of 15.6 grammes of cannabis.

"He said he didn't actually watch the game and didn't see any disorder and was not involved in the disorder," said Mrs Edwards.

"When he was shown the footage he answered "no comment"."

Davies pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and possessing the Class B cannabis resin.

Dan Griffiths, in mitigation, said: "The facts speak very much for themselves. Mr Davies readily accepts the prosecution case as presented. He was extremely intoxicated. He's at pains to point out he's not a supporter of any right wing or fascist groups."

Mr Griffiths said the cannabis was for Davies's own personal use. He was given a three-year football banning order and fined £75 with £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Nottingham Forest - Sheffield Wednesday - 06/02/2010

Source: http://www.owlstalk.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=122852&st=0

It all started with 5 lads all having a go at a young female steward just because they were stood in gang way and she told them to move in. As they were very threatening towards her she got a couple of male stewards and the aguement continued. The steward offered to move them but all 5 refused but wanted to sit together .

After that Forest got a corner and one of these men few across the steps and pushed some woman (Wednesdayite) over. She complained to the police and stewards and they move her. They then came back and arrested the wrong man (The 'mate' of the man who did it) and arrested him. The man who did it never said a word or helped his 'Mate' out. Later on he found out his mate got a ticket off the coppers.

Then on the way out i got caught up in the scuffle near the buses but missed most of the action but then followed a load of so called wednesday fans who insisted throwing cones in peoples gardens and kicking them into the road. One of these fella's went on a mission of punching Forest fans as they walked towards him but his mate soon had him under control.

Paris SG - Lorient - 06/02/2010

Source : France Football

Troubles at the Parc des Princes

Hot Saturday's evening in Paris after the new defeat of PSG (0-3).
Local supporters were totally angry and provoked troubles.
Shortly before half-time, a fight occured in the Boulogne stand then during half-time, it's on Auteuil stand that troubles started when some fans tried to enter the pitch.
Stwards quickly intervened both times.

Translation Underground Fans (c)

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Source : TeamTalk

Paris St Germain were humiliated 3-0 by Lorient at the Parc des Princes last Saturday, heaping the pressure on coach Antoine Kombouare.

The capital club visit Nancy on Saturday, with Kombouare calling for calm from the PSG fans.

"The supporters have the right to express their frustration, their disappointment," he said. "But I asked them not to use insults or violence.

"You can be disappointed but you have to remain respectful. Violence never solved anything."






(pics : Le Parisien newspaper)

Rennes - Bordeaux - 06/02/2010

Source: mail (thanks to the sender) - Rennes

Shortly before beginning of the game, a small fight erupted inside a pub, opposing some locals (BS) to Bordeaux fans (Ulramarines).
Police quickly intervened.
During the game, some Bordeaux fans stayed in the same pub so some locals came back there. We won.
After the game, 5-6 Bordeaux fans were spotted and we chased by locals.

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Source: mail (thanks to the sender)

Bollocks, no Ultramarines fought in Rennes.....

AE Larissa - Panathinaikos - 07/02/2010

Source: mail (thanks to the sender)

Minutes silence for tragic Blackburn fan - 08/02/2010

Source : Lancashire Telegraph

A MINUTE’S silence will be observed before Wednesday's Blackburn Rovers match in memory of a loyal fan who died after the weekend’s game at Stoke.

Fans at Ewood Park will fall silent in memory of season ticket holder John Taylor, who was described by his family as a “massive” Rovers fan, ahead of the evening match against Hull City.

The 30-year-old suffered fatal injuries in the concourse of Stoke’s Britannia Stadium just after half time, and died in hospital in the early hours of Sunday.

Police are still investigating the incident, and it is understood he was hit by a bin.

Yesterday more tributes poured in to the popular bricklayer, who lived in Avallon Way, Darwen, as a Facebook group set up in his memory by his brother reached more than 5,500 members.

And shirts and scarves, and a pint of lager, were added to the statue of Sir Jack Walker outside Ewood Park.

In a moving message attached to a bunch of flowers, his mother Susan, who was at his bedside at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire when he died, wrote: “John, you died in my arms and a part of me died with you.”

Another message said: “I am going to miss you forever, Katy”.

The father-of-one’s Rovers scarf was draped around Sir Jack’s neck.

Fans of all clubs have posted messages on the Facebook page, including many from local rivals Burnley and Stoke City, Saturday’s opponents.

A fellow Rovers fan wrote that had been standing next to the incident, adding “I wish I could have done more, RIP”.

Meanwhile, Staffordshire Police have appealed for people who may have recorded the incident on their mobile phones to come forward.

Udinese - SC Napoli - 07/02/2010

Source : Ninemsn

Two taken to hospital after fan clashes

An Udinese fan and a policeman were taken to hospital after clashes broke out in Udine ahead of the Serie A match between Udinese and Napoli on Sunday, the Ansa news agency reported.

The Udinese fan was cut on the leg while the policeman suffered bruising as he and fellow officers moved in to break up the clashing rival fans.

The troubles started as soon as the gates opened at the Stadio Friuli and lasted around half an hour.

However, it was soon calmed and order restored ahead of kick-off.

A certain group of hardcore Napoli fans are notorious for the trouble they cause and last season wrecked a train and buses taking them to Rome's Stadio Olimpico ahead of the first game of the season against AS Roma.

That resulted in a year-long ban on Napoli fans travelling to away games, although they had been relatively quiet so far this campaign.

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Source : monstersandcritics.com

Hooligans clash ahead of Serie A game Udinese-Napoli

Four fans were injured Sunday in clashes before the Serie A game Udinese-Napoli, police in Udine said.

Two Udinese supporters were lightly injured, one being hurt in the head and another wounded by a knife, outside the Friuli stadium in a brawl reportedly started by visiting Napoli fans.

A second clash took place at the entrance of the grand stand, with one Udinese fan and a policeman suffering head injuries.

Several cars were damaged outside the stadium.


VIDEO:

http://sport.sky.it/sport/calcio_italiano/2010/02/07/incidenti_pre_udinese_napoli.html

http://video.sky.it/?videoID=65436735001#video

Belgium 2nd Div : Red Star Waasland - SK Beveren - 05/02/2010

Source : gva.be (thanks to the sender)

After the derby between Red Star Waasland and SK Beveren , a group of +- 40, 50 Beverenlads went to the centre of the town and met a group of Turkish locals there. Beverenlads didn't hold back and the turkish people got the support of the riot police. After midnight and some arrests Beverenlads went back home, good night for the lads.

Chelsea FC - Arsenal FC - 07/02/2010

Source : YouTube (thanks to the sender)

Four Napoli 'hooligans' arrested - 09/02/2010

Source : AFP

Four Napoli fans were arrested and weapons were seized in overnight raids on several homes, police said Tuesday.

Two people were taken away to jail and two others placed under house arrest while two iron bars, two knives, three penknives, ball bearings, two balaclavas and several bullets were seized.

Police searched 15 homes belonging to members of two notorious supporter groups associated with Napoli, the Mastifs and Feddayn.

The arrests related to incidents from last season and had nothing to do with the trouble before Napoli's away match against Udinese on Sunday.

Eight Napoli fans were arrested and held on Sunday, while a further arrest was made on Tuesday by Friulani police after viewing video footage.

Two people were released on Tuesday while the other six arrested on Sunday will appear in court on Wednesday.

According to local police in Udine, the trouble began when Napoli fans attacked Udinese fans as the gates to the stadium were opened ahead of the game.

Police then moved in to quell the trouble but seven people, including a policeman, suffered injuries in the melee.

Napoli fans have a poor reputation in Italy and were banned from all away matches last season after riots broke out on their way to the opening game of the campaign away to AS Roma, during which a train and several buses were trashed.

Fans in court over Central Station stand-off - 09/02/2010

Source : Evening Chronicle



A SUNDERLAND fan allegedly caught up in a fierce stand-off between rival football factions was trying to protect a friend who was lying in a pool of blood, a court heard.

Gary Horwood is among dozens of alleged hooligans involved in a violent clash at Newcastle’s Central Station on August 8 last year.

Trouble began as Sunderland supporters travelled home from a pre-season friendly in Scotland, it is claimed.

Members of the group clashed with the officers who drew batons to restrain the rowdy crowd from spilling on to the streets of Newcastle.

Mr Horwood, of Woodland Drive, High Barnes, Sunderland, was charged with violent disorder after the incident

The 36-year-old father-of-two claims he was standing over a friend who lost four pints of blood when he was arrested.

But during a hearing at Sunderland Magistrates’ Court yesterday, Lee Crozier, prosecuting, said violence flared when officers tried to escort fans on to a waiting Metro after their trip from Scotland.

When they reached the ticket machine the group erupted in rage and began attacking officers and police dogs, it is claimed. Mr Crozier said: “There were at least two statements from guards on the train outlining the behaviour of the fans in a very negative fashion.

“Once they came back to Newcastle they were met by police who tried to cordon them off and escort them to the Metro platform.

“The atmosphere quickly changed from being one of drunkenness to an atmosphere that was nasty and very aggressive.

“The group started bouncing and then rushed the police and attacked officers before turning on the police dogs.”
Also allegedly caught up in the fracas was Black Cats groundsman John Richmond, who has not been able to work since he was charged with violent disorder last year because his bail conditions require he does not go near the Stadium of Light on match days.

But the 45-year-old, of Fordfield Road, on Sunderland’s Ford Estate, claims he was simply rushing to get home on the day of the fracas so he could be at his pregnant daughter’s bedside as she gave birth.

John Smith, defending Mr Richmond, said: “Mr Richmond denies this offence. He simply got off the train and was trying to get home as quickly as possible.

“His daughter was having a baby and was in labour. He was caught in the cordon with other fans and maintains that he was unlawfully assaulted. He suffered broken fingers and was struck with a baton over his head.”

Also charged with violent disorder are Peter Jones, 47, of Town End Farm, Sunderland; Jason Jameson, 40, of Maud Street, Fulwell, Sunderland; and David Brook, 36, of Association Road, Roker, Sunderland.

Christopher Burdess, 21, of Countess Close, Seaham, County Durham also appeared in court yesterday, alongside Marc Wright, 23, of Windermere Road, Seaham, County Durham; John Dunn, 40, of Maria Street, Sunderland; Gavin Foster, 22, of Glebe Drive, Seaham, County Durham; and Michael Winch, 26, James Street, Southwick, Sunderland.

Joseph Hatton, 38, Warennes Street, in Ford Estate, Sunderland; Gary Horwood, 36, of Woodland Drive, High Barnes, Sunderland; Frederick Potter, 51, Colchester Terrace, High Barnes, Sunderland.

None of the accused entered a plea and all were released on conditional bail to appear before Newcastle Crown Court on April 12.

Utd fan denies throwing coin - 09/02/2010

Source : The Sun



A MANCHESTER United fan today denied claims he threw a coin at Man City's Craig Bellamy during a match saying: "I was with my mum."
Red Devils supporter Adam Teese, 26, was arrested after Bellamy was hit with the coin whilst playing against United in the Carling Cup semi final at Old Trafford two weeks ago.

Since he was charged with throwing a missile on to the football pitch, furious City fans have been bombarding his house with prank calls.

Within 24 hours, Blues supporters had ordered him £150-worth of pizzas, a skip, rat exterminators and two hookers.

Teese, of Heaton Chapel near Stockport, Cheshire, appeared before Trafford magistrates but pleaded not guilty to the charge.

It is believed the sole witness in the 75,000 strong crowd is a United steward who is set to testify.

Teese's lawyers are now applying to get footage of the incident from Sky Sports and United's TV station MUTV.

Lawyer Simon Moreton told JPs: "He's been a United season ticket holder for eight years and denies any wrongdoing. He was sat with his mother."

Teese's mum Deborah insists her son is innocent, adding: "I was sat next to him and he did not throw anything. We actually had to duck when a bottle was thrown over us."

Teese will face a pre trial review in March then a two day trial in April.

England : Burton Albion - Port Vale - 06/02/2010

Source : burtonmail.co.uk

Albion fan arrested over mascot attack

A BURTON Albion fan has been arrested for allegedly assaulting his own club's mascot.

The 15-year-old boy, believed to be from the Swadlincote area, was arrested in the home end at the Pirelli Stadium before kick-off in Saturday’s League Two game against Port Vale.

The youth is alleged to have assaulted ‘Bettie Brewer’, who entertains fans before games with her long-time ‘partner’, Billy Brewer.

The arrest came on a day which also saw three of Vale’s near 2,000-strong travelling army – the largest away following ever seen at the stadium – ejected from the ground for ‘disorderly conduct’.

Meanwhile, fans of the Stoke-on-Trent-based club have been blamed for crowd control problems which required police and stewards to intervene after a small number of supporters were unable to access the ground’s away terrace, the Coors Stand.

The fans were allowed to watch the early part of the first half from behind pitch-side advertising hoardings before finally being accommodated in part of the ‘Popside’ terrace usually occupied by Albion fans, with police and stewards forming a temporary barrier between home and away fans.

Albion chairman Ben Robinson told the Mail: “A number of Port Vale supporters who arrived late could not get onto the terracing because the people already there were not prepared to move along to make space for them.

“Because the game had already kicked off, the police and stewards quite rightly escorted about 50 fans around in front of the terracing.

“Despite repeated requests, away fans still refused to make way for them so the home fans cooperated by moving into the next section of the Popside terrace, freeing up the end bay for Port Vale fans.

“We will be having a meeting with our safety officer to discuss all the issues with the police to see if there is any way we can handle things differently at a future match.”

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said coaches had been laid on to ferry Vale fans from the town centre to the stadium and back, but said the force had not received any reports of problems away from the ground.

The Mill House pub, in Milford Drive, Stretton, closed between 2.30pm and 5.30pm on police advice, while the Anchor Inn, in New Street, was one of many town pubs visited by travelling fans.

Landlady Judy Doughty said: “We had around 60 of them in here at one stage but we didn’t have one bit of trouble and they were all very respectful.”

On the pitch, the game saw Albion win 1-0 courtesy of Jacques Maghoma’s first half strike.

Police wrongly arrest Manchester United fan in Longridge - 09/02/2010

Source : prestoncitizen.co.uk

POLICE have admitted arresting the wrong man after detaining a Manchester United fan from Longridge.

John Oakes was arrested by Greater Manchester Police at his home in Redwood Drive at 5.20am, on January 27.

The Manchester United fan was taken to Blackburn police station after he was suspected of being involved in violence during Manchester City's 2-1 win over Manchester United in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final.

Greater Manchester Police released CCTV images of suspected soccer hooligans involved in the violence at the match, one of whom was said to look like Mr Oakes.

However, police later admitted they had arrested the wrong man after the real suspect handed himself in.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “A 38-year-old man from Longridge, arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit violent disorder was later released without charge.

“Police received information, which led to the arrest of the man.

"Information received following the arrest led to the man being released without charge.”

Rotterdam police chief quits - 09/02/2010

Source : DutchNews.nl

Rotterdam's police chief Aad Meijboom will step down as soon as a successor is found, the Telegraaf reported on Monday evening.

Meijboom has been under increasing pressure to resign following the fatal shooting incident at a beach party in Hoek van Holland at the end of the summer.

The Telegraaf said it will take about six months to find a replacement for Meijboom, who is 58.

Official report

An official report into the incident, in which police shot at rioters after coming under attack, was highly criticial of the police approach.

It said that hours before the party started, police were aware a large group of football hooligans was planning to cause trouble, but that information was not passed on to officials on the ground or senior police officers.

One 19-year-old was killed and five others injured by police bullets. None of the officers who fired their weapons into the crowd at the Sunset Grooves are to face charges.

Another senior Rotterdam police chief stood down in January for failing to inform the mayor about a potentially problematic incident.

Catania Ultra Sentenced To 14 Years Following Death Of Policeman Filippo Raciti - 09/02/2010

Source : Gaol.com

The accused confirms he will appeal after repeatedly denying the allegations…

Antonino Speziale, described as a ‘Catania Ultra’ has been sentenced to 14 years in prison following the death of police officer Filippo Raciti.

Raciti died in the line of duty during clashes between police and supporters following the match between Catania and Palermo on February 2, 2007.

Speziale responded to his sentencing, telling Il Giornale, "I am very calm because I know I'm innocent. I have not done anything wrong and I can rest easy. After all I was expecting this ruling."

The court delivered its verdict of manslaughter after around eight hours of deliberation.

Speziale greeted the verdict by immediately confirming he will appeal. "There is a conspiracy,” he said, “but I will not give up. With my lawyer I will appeal."

Marseille limited to 1,500 fans for PSG trip - 10/02/2010

Source : AFP

Only 1,500 Marseille fans will be allowed to travel to their team's match at arch-rivals Paris Saint-Germain on February 28, the French Ministry of the Interior announced on Wednesday.

The decision was made public following a meeting between government officials, local police and the presidents of both clubs, Marseille's Jean-Claude Dassier and Robin Leproux of PSG.

The state department decided that "for reasons of safety and public order, the number of Marseille fans admitted to the Parc des Princes will be restricted to 1,500," according to a statement published after the meeting.

"It has been decided that a tight security cordon will be put around Marseille's supporters for the duration of their journey.

"Only supporters using means of transport accompanied by this security force will be able to access the Parc des Princes."

The return fixture between the clubs earlier in the season was blighted by scenes of violence involving fans of both sides.

The match was postponed at short notice on October 25 due to an outbreak of swine flu at PSG, but 2,000 supporters from the capital club were already en route to Marseille and they clashed with police and opposition fans upon their arrival.

Only 1,000 PSG fans were allowed into the Stade Velodrome to watch the rescheduled match on November 20 on the advice of the local authorities.

Dassier last month expressed hope that Marseille would be granted 2,000 tickets for the 'clasico' in Paris, which is traditionally one of the most hotly contested games in the French football calendar.


(Archive)

Luton Town - Oxford United - 09/02/2010

Source : BBC News

Football fans attack stewards after Luton game

Two people were arrested and four police officers injured at a football ground as home fans attacked stewards after the game, police said.

Trouble flared at Kenilworth Road after Luton Town beat Oxford 2-1 in the Blue Square Premier table game.

The officers received minor injuries as they tried to control the situation.

Ch Supt Mike Colbourne said: "I am disappointed that an exciting sporting occasion, with a good crowd, was marred by these ugly scenes."

"We had put on a lot of extra officers to police this game, including police horses," Ch Supt Colbourne said.

"Although there were one or two outbreaks of disorder in town during the afternoon, we were pleased with the way it had gone up until fans started fighting amongst themselves in the home end during the match. We'll now be looking to see if any further arrests are necessary or possible."