Season 09/10 - February

Britannia Stadium death : History of trouble in stand where Blackburn fan died - 10/02/2010

Source : Mirror.co.uk



Yobbish behaviour in a stadium area where a fan died on Saturday has been going on for more than a year.

The Mirror has obtained mobile phone footage of Manchester City fans throwing objects, including a bin lid, in the concourse for away supporters at Stoke City last year.

On Saturday, Blackburn Rovers fan John Taylor died after he was hit by a bin at halftime in the enclosure at the Britannia Stadium.

And videos on the internet show fans from other clubs hurling missiles in the concourse at the ground. The YouTube clips are of Chelsea, Manchester United, Wolves and Middlesbrough supporters in the past two seasons.

Blackburn followers say that minutes before Saturday's tragedy their supporters were throwing bottles around the enclosure beneath the stand where the Rovers contingent were seated. Dad-of-one Mr Taylor, 30, from Darwen, Lancs, died in hospital hours after the game. The bricklayer's devastated mum, Susan, 51, said: "He just went to watch his team play football and now I can't bring him home.

"He was always smiling and was the life and soul of any party."

His brother Mark, 24, who was with him at the match, said: "I was always referred to as 'John's brother' everywhere I went. He's always been a legend."

No one from Stoke City was available for comment yesterday. But Malcolm Clarke, chairman of the Football Supporters' Federation and a Stoke season ticket holder, said: "It would seem a bit strange if that sort of behaviour was happening at Stoke more than anywhere else."

A 25-year-old man from Preston, Lancs, has been arrested and bailed in connection with the tragedy.

Police ready for Southampton and Portsmouth FA Cup tie - 13/02/2010

Source : BBC News

More than 250 police officers are on the streets of Southampton in preparation for the football club's FA Cup tie with local rivals Portsmouth.

Previous games between the clubs have seen violent clashes. Over 90 arrests were made at Fratton Park in 2004 and five at the last meeting in 2005.

In a bid to stem any disorder, Southampton pubs are to shut for two hours after the game on Saturday.

Preparations for the clash have been under way for weeks.

However shopkeepers near the St Mary's ground have admitted they are still concerned.

More than 4,000 Portsmouth fans are expected at the game, which kicks off at 1230 GMT.

Hampshire Constabulary said anyone caught breaking the law could expect to be dealt with "appropriately and effectively".

Police have urged Portsmouth fans to use organised coaches to get to the match, which will drop off and pick up at the stadium.

Leeds appeal to police NOT to prosecute thugs who attacked their players - 13/02/2010

Source : dailymail.co.uk

Leeds have asked police not to prosecute Carlisle fans who attacked some of their players after their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat on Tuesday.

But the League One club have called on the FA and Football League to take action against those responsible.

Club officials have posted pictures of the incidents on their website in the hope of being able to identify the fans in question..

Scotland : Football fans are warned to be on their best behaviour at Pittodrie - 13/02/2010

Source : pressandjournal.co.uk

campaign cracking down on racism and sectarianism in sport

Football fans attending this afternoon’s match between Aberdeen and Celtic at Pittodrie will be targeted as part of a campaign to eradicate racism and sectarianism.

Grampian Police are advising supporters attending the SPL match that “unacceptable behaviour” will not be tolerated. The action is being taken after a number of incidents at the stadium this season, including one last month which resulted in a season ticket holder being banned for life.

Chief Superintendent Adrian Watson, today’s match commander, said: “The vast majority of supporters that come along to Pittodrie for the games are extremely well behaved.

“However, recently we have had isolated incidents of sectarian and racist behaviour, which obviously is unacceptable in any shape or form.

“Grampian Police works closely with Aberdeen Football Club, the visiting clubs and the football authorities in making the match day experience one of the safest in the country, and I would urge all supporters to play their part in seeing this continue.”

Season ticket holder Paul Webster was arrested during the Dons’ Scottish Premier League victory over Kilmarnock last month.

A witness reported him to police after overhearing him shout racist abuse at one of Kilmarnock’s players.

Volunteer worker Webster, 48, appeared in court where Sheriff Malcolm Garden fined him £350 but stopped short of issuing a banning order, which the Crown had requested, as it was his first offence.

After the hearing a Dons spokesman said the club would be taking its own action and banning the father-of-two, from Wales Street, Aberdeen, for life.

The spokesman said: “We adopt a zero-tolerance policy to racist behaviour and, along with the Scottish Football Association, are totally against any kind of racism.”

On January 11, a 19-year-old Hearts fan was banned from football stadiums for a year after admitting a breach of the peace with sectarian behaviour.

Calum Dean admitted singing a sectarian song, said to be aggravated by religious prejudice. He was fined £350 at Aberdeen Sheriff Court for the offence, which happened at the Aberdeen v Hearts Scottish Cup tie.

Police hope Saints v Pompey will pass peacefully - 12/02/2010

Source : portsmouth.co.uk

More than 260 police officers are being drafted in for Pompey's crunch FA Cup clash against Saints.
Hampshire Constabulary officers will work with mounted police from Thames Valley and the British Transport Police to make sure fans coming by train get to and from St Mary's Stadium in Southampton safely.

Following the match, city centre pubs are set to stay shut for at least two hours. And a special train service will be laid on for Pompey fans travelling home after tomorrow's game.

Chief Superintendent Matthew Greening said: 'We all hope no-one spoils the day but anyone who does break the law can expect to be dealt with appropriately and effectively. We won't tolerate behaviour which interferes with the enjoyment of the majority.'

About 32,000 fans – including 4,000 Pompey supporters – are expected at the FA Cup fifth round clash.

Seasiders fans to be held back after derby - 13/02/2010

Source : Blackpool Gazette

BLACKPOOL fans will be asked to remain in their seats for around 10 minutes after the final whistle goes at today's derby with Preston North End.
That's the message from the police who hope the move will minimise post match disorder and ensure everyone has a safe trip home.

Officers will also put a road closure in place around the Bill Shankly Kop end of Deepdale which is likely to delay away fans leaving the stadium.

Senior officers said today the approach had proved successful during past derby games.

Chief Inspector Nikki Evans of Preston Police: "Our policing operation is aimed at minimising the risk of disorder.

"We hope to keep the disruption low but apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused. We want to ensure that visiting fans have an enjoyable afternoon at Deepdale and part of that is giving them advanced notice of possible delays in leaving the stadium to make their journey home."

CCTV studied after Nottingham station football fight - 13/02/2010

Source : BBC News

Video footage of clashes between football supporters in Nottingham is being studied by police.

British Transport Police have released details of two separate incidents at the railway station on the evening of 6 February.

A total of 10 arrests were made after fights between Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday fans, which also saw an officer suffer minor injuries.

CCTV from the area is being used to try to identify those responsible.

British Transport Police said the first clash was at around 1945 GMT. Four arrests were made.

A further six arrests were made when a large fight broke out on platform one an hour-and-a-half later.

All those arrested have been released on bail pending further inquires.

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Source : thisisnottingham.co.uk

Investigation after football fans clash

AN investigation has been launched after two separate clashes between rival football fans at Nottingham Railway Station last Saturday.

Four people were arrested in the first fight between fans on platform four at around 7.45pm. The second fracas, involving a large number of fans, was at about 9.15pm on platform one. Six arrests were made.

Detective Constable Kevin Challinor, of the British Transport Police (BTP), said both incidents involved violent disorder between Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday football fans.

"A BTP PCSO was assaulted during the disorder, she sustained minor facial injuries.

"We believe in both instances the two sets of fans, who had been drinking, exchanged words before starting to fight."

All have been released on police bail pending further inquiries. Detectives are studying CCTV to identify others who may have been involved.

"We believe a number of people at the station would have witnessed the incidents," said DC Challinor. "It's extremely important that we build a clear picture of what took place.

"If you were on the train or at the station and witnessed the incident then I urge you to come forward and talk to us.

"We are determined to bring these people to justice and will continue to take robust action against anyone who subjects other innocent rail passengers and genuine fans to violence and anti-social behaviour."

Southampton FC - Portsmouth FC - FA Cup - 13/02/2010

Source : dailyecho.co.uk

Countdown to the big Saints v Pompey match

IT’S Derby Day – the countdown is on to today’s Saints versus Pompey FA Cup clash.

A sell out 32,000 fans will be in Southampton’s St Marys Stadium for the fifth round game between two of football’s biggest rivals.

With Portsmouth facing possible winding up action in the courts this could even be the last derby game between the two cities.

More than 4,000 fans from Premiership Pompey are currently making the 17 mile trip along the M27 to the home of their rivals – two divisions below them in League One.

Saints will be looking for revenge after a 4-1 thrashing the last time the two sides met almost five years ago.

Extra police have been drafted in for the game, which kicks off at 12.30pm.

More than 260 officers are on patrol for the match.

Mounted police have also been brought in from Thames Valley to control the crowds outside the stadium.

Meanwhile pubs in the city centre will close for several hours on police advice.

About 50 Hampshire officers, British Transport Police, and four police horses were escorting fans using trains to the game.

When they arrived at Central Station at about 11.20am the Pompey fans let off four fire crackers.

After the game away fans will be escorted to the station for a special train service back to Portsmouth after the game.

Head of the operation Chief Supt Matthew Greening promised to come down hard on troublemakers. He said: “We all hope no one spoils the day but anyone who does break the law can expect to be dealt with appropriately and effectively.

“We won’t tolerate behaviour which interferes with the enjoyment of the majority who want to watch a sporting event.”

For the first time police will use a huge metal barrier to help control the two sets of fans outside the ground.

Chief Supt Greening added: "It's about ensuring fans leaving the Northam stand area are directed in the right direction for them to leave the stadium quickly and safely for example to get back to visiting coaches in a safe and easy way .

“We often do the same thing at matches using police vans across the north car park but we now have this new and effective piece of equipment to do the job."

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Source : portsmouth.co.uk

Trouble in Southampton ahead of the Pompey clash

Trouble flared at New Road, Southampton, just a few minutes walk from St Mary's Stadium as fans clashed on the way to the game.
Traffic was brought to a standstill as officers rushed to the scene with sirens blaring at about 11.25am.

Mounted police on horseback were also drafted in from the nearby Kingsland Market area.

And dozens of officers fought to keep Pompey and Saints fans segregated on their way to the game.

Police used dogs and weilded batons as hundreds of fans hurled abuse and threatened each other.

Fans were chased across Andrews Park by police towards the football ground.

Anyone who was not on their way to the game were ordered to leave the area.



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Outside the King Alfred pub in Northam Road both sets of fans clashed. Police used vans and horses to separate the two sides as bottles were thrown.

And a violent scuffle also broke out between an isolated group of around five Pompey fans and Saints fans who started chanting at each other when they came face-to-face near the Northam Bridge.

During the fight one Southampton fan was badly bitten by a police dog, suffering an injury to his leg.




Video :
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/5006520.Fans_clash_as_Saints_and_Pompey_FA_Cup_match_gets_underway/

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Source : portsmouth.co.uk

More trouble follows Pompey's FA Cup win

Trouble has flared up again outside St Mary's stadium following Pompey's 4-1 win over their south coast rivals.
The first ecstatic Pompey fans trickled out of St Mary's Stadium just before 3pm.

The atmosphere was one of delight as the four one thumping sunk in.

But the happiness quickly changed to fear as hundreds of rampaging Saints fans broke through a motorhome garage forecourt, opposite the ground, and tried to tear down a metal barrier separating the two groups.

The angry reds rushed forward towards the fence trying to tear it down as dozens of police officers, many with dogs, tried to keep the two groups separate.

Soon missiles began flying across to Pompey fans as they left the away end.

The Southampton fans then began ripping up everything they could get their hands on to use as missiles to hit the Pompey fans.

They were seen jumping on cars in the garage forecourt called 'Freeborn Motorhomes' in Britannia Road, ripping off hub caps and flinging them across the road.

At one point Southampton fans managed to rip down part of the metal fence but police stopped them.

Both sides were fronting up to each other with police in the middle of it all with Pompey fans unable to move anywhere, stuck behind in the coach park.

The trouble was dispersed after about 10 minutes as police managed to move on the hardcore elements from both sides, determined to cause trouble.

Pockets of violence erupted every now and then but they were quickly put under control by police and stewards and there was more goading by Southampton fans as Portsmouth players got on to their coach.

At the end, after the both fans had gone home, all that was left was dozens of coins and withered red and white Southampton flags discarded on the ground.



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Source : BBC News

Violent clashes after Southampton and Portsmouth FA tie

Football fans and police have clashed in Southampton after the city's football club lost 4-1 to bitter rivals Portsmouth in an FA Cup tie.

Bricks, bottles and chairs were thrown by fans outside St Mary's stadium in violent scenes, with 11 arrests so far.

More than 250 officers, including mounted police, are on duty.

Previous games between the clubs have also seen clashes. Over 90 arrests were made at Fratton Park in 2004 and five at the last meeting in 2005.

More than 4,000 Portsmouth fans were expected at Saturday's game and officers escorted them between the stadium and Southampton Central train station.

The route took in one of the city's main shopping streets, containing tens of thousands of shoppers.

Officers were also involved in breaking up skirmishes across the city. In a bid to stem disorder, city pubs shut for two hours after the game.

A special metal security barrier was also brought in to help keep fans apart close to the ground.

Preparations for the derby match were under way for weeks before the game.

Hampshire Constabulary warned anyone caught breaking the law could expect to be dealt with "appropriately and effectively".



Video :

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/hampshire/8514871.stm

Aston Villa - Millwall FC - FA Youth Cup - 12/02/2010

Source : dailymail.co.uk

Millwall fans held after trouble at FA Youth Cup tie in Birmingham

Two men were injured and 13 were arrested following disorder that broke out after an FA Youth Cup match, police said today.

The incident occurred in Birmingham last night after a football game between the Millwall and Aston Villa youth teams.

Two men were found with injuries after being attacked, West Midlands Police said.
One of the men, aged 41, suffered bruising, and the other, a 42-year-old man, suffered a cut to his head after being attacked with what officers believe was a bottle.

The attack was thought to be a racially aggravated assault, said police, who were called to Aston Lane at Wenlock Road, Aston, at about 8.30pm.

A short time later, officers stopped a private minibus in Witton Lane outside the Aston Villa coach park and 13 men aged between 20 and 40, all from the London area, were arrested in connection with the incident.

They are currently helping police with their inquiries.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen the attack or anyone who may have seen a minibus driving around the Aston area between 8pm and 9pm last night to contact them.

The minibus is described as a white Transit van with Premier Travel Services written on the side in blue lettering and dark tinted windows.

Pub violence as fans clashed - 13/02/2010

Source : thisisderbyshire.co.uk

A DRINKER in a pub told how she was "absolutely terrified" when violence broke out between two groups of rival football supporters.

Glasses, tables and chairs were thrown between Derby County and Nottingham Forest fans during a fight at the Florence Nightingale pub, a court heard.

Rekhi Patel told Derby Crown Court she and another woman customer covered their heads in their hands as the two groups fought with each other.

And prosecutor James McNamara said an elderly man, who was drinking in the London Road pub when the incident happened, had been left "very distressed".

The court heard that the fight happened before the Derby v Forest FA Cup game in January last year.

Mr McNamara said CCTV footage showed a group of Derby County supporters entering the pub at about 7.07pm on January 23, where a group of Nottingham Forest fans were drinking.

He said the then landlord, Aaron Gallagher, had served the Forest group when they came into the pub. Shortly after, another group entered, with one man shouting: "Are you Forest?"

"He (Mr Gallagher) said he saw the back of a bald-headed man and more people, Derby County supporters, coming through the door.

"He said a Forest fan threw a glass, then said the whole pub erupted, with glasses, tables and chairs thrown between the two groups of males. A fight kicked off.

"It is clear that the defendants had no regard to the safety of innocent bystanders. People were feeling petrified or terrified in relation to what had taken place. This was an affray, there is no question about it."

Mr Gallagher's girlfriend, Ms Patel, giving evidence behind a screen, told the court: "I had my back to everything. I heard something being thrown. I had my head in my hands because objects were being thrown behind me."

When asked by Mr McNamara how she felt, Ms Patel replied: "I was absolutely terrified, petrified. There was a lady I was chatting to. She held on to me and we put our heads in and held each other just so our heads were covered.

"Aaron told me to come around the bar but I could not get there because of everything happening behind me, so he picked me up and pulled me over the bar."

When asked how the pub looked after the clash, Ms Patel said: "There were broken chairs and broken glass everywhere. It looked like a bomb hit it."

The defendants have each pleaded not guilty to affray.

They are Daniel Slowinski, 22, of Rosemary Drive, Alvaston; Matthew Freeman, 20, of The Pinfold, Belper; Steven Bambrick, 36, of Main Street, Swadlincote; Roger Clarke, 48, of Holloway, Matlock; Paul Nightingale, 36, of Main Road, Whatstandwell; Craig Wheeldon, 29, of Cromford Road, Wirksworth; Paul Moss, 40, of Edgeway, Nottingham, and Aaron Wakefield, 30, of Eltham Drive, Nottingham.

The court heard that eight other defendants had already pleaded guilty to affray.

NEC Nijmegen - G. Beerschot: 5 arrested in dawn raids - 11/02/2010

Source : Mail (thanks to the sender !)

5 suspects were arrested during dawn raids Thursday morning.
The charges involve: assault and destruction of property.
The 5 Belgians got arrested and questioned by Belgian Police.
For this case, Belgian and Dutch police are working together.
All Belgian suspects will be transered to Dutch authorities were they will detained, questioned and possibly sentenced.

The investigation started after G. Beerschot hooligans ran riot before the friendly game between NEC Nijmegen and G. Beerschot in Groesbeek, July 19th 2009.

FC Sochaux - AS Nancy - 06/02/2010

Source: mail (thanks to the sender) - Nancy

About 50 Nancy mobbed up for this game. We stayed in the city for most of the journey, phoning locals who refused an off.
We took the road of the stadium, with the hope to see their mob...no one...
...

Indep nancy


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Source: mail (thanks to the sender)

With the aim to avoid any confront, police escorted locals.

LASK - Rapid Wien - 12/02/2010

Source : kleinezeitung.at

After the game, fights broke out several hours after final whistle, in the old town of Linz.
Police said one LASK supporter was seriously injured by a Rapid fan who used a bottle to kick him when two mobs met up in the city centerat 3.30am.
The man was hospitalized.

Another youn man, aged 22, was arrested during the Saturday night after he punched another fan (16 years old).

Translation Underground Fans (c)

Bayern München - Spvgg Fürth - Cup - 10/02/2010

Source : fuerther-nachrichten.de

Furth officials are really angry about police after troubles erupted during this cup game played in Munich.
Furth officials said police made a too severe intervention against supporters, using batons and pepper sprays.
Official Munich police speaker, Wolfgang Wenger, said "of course there are alway different views of events". He said it was normal to use batons and pepper sprays.
A supporter, medecine man, aged 50, said police fought everyone who lied on the floor.
A young fan was uncouscious after he was punched up by 2 or 3 policemen.

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Source : greuther-fuerth.de

Police said first troubles started in the entrance of the away stand, when 150 Furth supporters charged without any reason.
So, they gave a response, using batons and pepper sprays.
Troubles continued at the end of the game.
A Furth official added aged people and young were charged by police.

Translation Undeground Fans (c)

RSC Charleroi - RSC Anderlecht - 13/02/2010

Source: mail (thanks to the sender) - Anderlecht

ndr: game cancelled due to the weather

Fair fight organised, opposing 29 Charleroi youth to 27 BCS youth.
Severe first clash between both mobs. After 40 seconds, Anderlecht had the upper hand and locals retreated.
Fair fight.

BCS Youth

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Source: mail (thanks to the sender) - Charleroi


Confirmation 30v30 occurred (under 28 years old). First clash really hard with a few injured on both side. After a good minute of fight, Charleroi have to retreat.
Respect to BCS

Preston North End - Blackpool FC - 13/02/2010

Source : Lancashire Evening Post

Eleven arrests during PNE clash

Three people were arrested by police after Blackpool fans set off flares during Saturday's derby clash at Deepdale.
Two fans were ejected at half-time when a flare was let off among the 5,400 visiting supporters in the Bill Shankly Kop.

Another flare was lit around 10 minutes into the second half, leading to another arrest.

A total of 11 people were arrested before, during and after the game, police said.

FC Kopar (Slovenia) - Partizan Belgrade (Serbia) - friendly game - 13/02/2010

Source: pressonline.rs

50 Partizan fans exchanged missiles with home fans for couple of minutes during the first half. Police arrived at the end of first half. There is no confirmation of any arrested or injured fans.

Sparta Praha (Czech Republic) -MSK Zilina (Slovakia) - friendly game - 13/02/2010

Source: mail thanks to the sender

It seems that MSK Zilina fans together with their friends from Poland Góral Żywiec took the banners from Sparta Prague. It is said that Sparta lads were sitting in some casino?! and that Slovaks stormed in and took the bag with banners.

Unconfirmed information...

Hajduk Split (Croatia) - Zeljeznicar Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina) - friendly game - 13/02/2010

Source : Mail (thanks to the sender) + source.ba + sarajevo-x.com






4 Zeljeznicar fans have been arrested at the border and deported back to Split in connection with assault on police officer. 12 fans have been arrested in total.

It is stated by the media that one car traveling back from Split with Zeljeznicar fans was damaged by unknow persons.

Fiorentina - Roma - 07/02/2010

Source: lamiaroma.it



6 arrested fans, 2 Roma ultras and 4 Fiorentina ultras

Chelsea FC - Cardiff City - FA Cup - 13/02/2010

Source: mail (thanks to the sender)

Republic of Srpska - Fight at waterpolo - 16/02/2010

Source: mondo.rs

A fight between Borac fans Lesinari and Grobari from Banjaluka took place after the Tuesday waterpolo game Partizan - Vojvodina played in Banjaluka. 4 people have been injured.

Public Safety Center spokesman, Gospa Arsenović, stated to Srna agency that the fight has been reported at 18.45 PM some 500 meters from the hall were waterpolo game took place. As she stated the fight broke out between Partizan fans Grobari and Borac fans Lesinari, known for their brotherhood with Vojvodina fans.

Onsite police found four man with light injuries of head and arms, and transferred them to ER in Banjaluka

Europe's football ultras, police hold first-ever conference - 17/02/2010

Source : AFP

So-called "ultra" or hardcore football fans and police met Wednesday for a two-day conference aimed at boosting cooperation and mutual understanding between the two sides.

The conference, the first of its kind, was organised by the Council of Europe and brought together police officials, representatives of some 15 fan groups and officials from the European and world football bodies UEFA and FIFA.

There were also representatives from Poland and Ukraine, joint hosts for the 2011 Euro soccer championships.

"We want to contribute to a modified view on ultras and to differentiate them from hooligans," Daniela Wurbs of the Football Supporters Europe (FSE) told the conference.

"We want to start a dialogue on an equal footing," she said.

"Security and violence should not be the main issue. We want to talk about good practice examples, as well."

So-called "ultra" or hardcore fans are characterized by banner-waving, chants and their use of fireworks during matches, but are keen to distance themselves from hooligans.

"Dialogue, transparency and respect should be the rules for our 'friendly match'," said Ralf-Rene Weingaertner, director for sports and youth at the Council of Europe.

Wurbs criticised the recent Austrian ban on fireworks at matches, following a similar move in Germany.

"It's a very unfortunate move by the Austrian government" which could fuel anti-police sentiment among ultras, she said.

That issue and other means of boosting security at sporting events would form the focus of various workshops during the two-day meet.

Wurbs called for frank dialogue between fans and police.

"We wish to see the police speak as honestly, as we will do," she said.

University professor Gunter Pilz, author of a first Europe-wide study on extreme fan culture, said: "We don't need tougher rules or more police, but more communication between the two sides."

Serb prosecutor files charges against 6 football hooligans for threats - 16/02/2010

Source : The Canadian Press

Serbia's state prosecutor has filed charges against six football hooligans for chanting death threats against an independent TV journalist during a Europa League match.

Thousands chanted threats and insults at B92 reporter Brankica Stankovic during a match in December between Partizan Belgrade and Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk. They also tossed around and punctured an inflatable rubber effigy of her.

A recent TV documentary by Stankovic found that Serbian football fan leaders and their groups are suspected of serious crimes, including drug trafficking and murder, yet remain free.

Tomo Zoric, spokesman for the prosecutor, said Tuesday the six are charged with violent behaviour and threatening the safety of the journalist.

FC Twente - Werder Brême - 18/02/2010

Source : goal.com + tctubantia.n

Werder Bremen Fans Arrested In Enschede

According to a report in local newspaper TC/De Tubantia, several Werder Bremen fans have been arrested for their involvement in riots in the centre of Enschede ahead of the Europa League game against Twente.

A group of about 40 supporters of the Bundesliga side arrived in Enschede this afternoon, where they ran into a group of Twente fans. After some provocation, the Werder fans reportedly started throwing chairs at their Dutch counterparts.

The police then intervened and it appeared as if the riots had come to an end. However, the Werder fans then visited a bar where the Twente fans usually collect before the game starts and things went wrong again.

Several fans of the Hanseaten were then arrested and will probably miss the Europa League match between Twente and Werder. It's not yet known how many fans have been detained.

The Twente supporters have close ties with Schalke 04 and were reportedly involved in a brawl between fans of the Gelsenkirchen side and supporters of Werder earlier this season. It would seem that the Hanseaten supporters were out for revenge on this trip.