Police warning to football yobs on derby day

Oct 11 2010 by Adam Jupp, Evening Chronicle

A RING of steel will be thrown up around Newcastle United’s clash with Sunderland later this month to prevent derby day disruptions.

Sunderland will travel to Newcastle on October 31 for the first grudge game since the Magpies returned to the Premier League.The fixture has already been brought forward in the day due to police concerns about supporters drinking before kick-off.Now senior officers have urged Black Cats fans to take advantage of free buses organised by the club rather than making their own way to Tyneside.The coaches will receive a police escort to St James’ Park and supporters’ entry to the ground will also be supervised.Hundreds of officers will be deployed inside and outside the stadium to prevent outbreaks of violence between the rival factions.Trained spotters will be at key locations in the city looking for known hooligans who may be planning to organise disorder with their opponents.It comes after 15 Toon thugs were told they will have to wait to learn their sentences after being convicted of plotting a dust-up with Sunderland fans travelling back from a pre-season friendly.The gang had spent the day hanging around Newcastle Central Station and drinking in nearby pubs before trying to ambush Wearsiders using a baton and a smoke bomb.Their attempts were thwarted by the swift actions of police and members of the mob pleaded guilty to violent disorder.They will learn whether they are being jailed a week before the derby.Northumbria Police’s Newcastle area commander, Chief Supt Graham Smith, said: “We have been working closely with both clubs and Newcastle City Council in planning for this fixture and I am confident our plans will enable a swift departure for the Sunderland coaches. This approach worked well following the last fixture between the two clubs.“We do have plans to ensure the safety of Sunderland fans travelling independently by train or Metro. However, we’d encourage where possible fans to take advantage of the free bus service to and from the Stadium of Light as other methods of travel may involve delays.”Sunderland AFC safety manager Paul Weir, himself a former chief superintendent, said: “We would advise all Sunderland fans travelling to St James’ Park for the derby fixture to take advantage of the free bus service to and from the stadium. The safety and security of supporters is of paramount importance to both clubs and the bus service will enable the police to facilitate a safe transit for visiting fans without sacrificing any enjoyment of the game.”Sunderland supporters can get passes for the journey by stating the number required in the comments section of their online ticket applications, by clearly writing the number needed on paper ticket applications or by contacting the Stadium of Light ticket office on 0871 911 1973.Away fans will also be asked to remain at St James’ Park for a short time after the game to allow the stadium to empty in an orderly manner.The last time the two sides met, in 2009, they played out a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park, with Sunderland having beaten Newcastle 2-1 at the Stadium of Light earlier in the season.

(chroniclelive)

Rooney was twice denied brilliantly by Montenegro keeper Mladen Bozovic

England were frustrated by Montenegro as their flawless start to the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign was ended in a goalless stalemate.

Fabio Capello’s side dominated possession but, with Wayne Rooney a subdued figure, were lacking in ideas and invention to break down a team that also came to Wembley boasting a 100% record in qualification.And after surviving the best England had to offer, it was Montenegro who came closest to snatching the victory when Milan Jovanovic – who had somehow escaped a clear handball offence in the penalty area moments earlier – rattled the crossbar from long range with only seven minutes left.England had opportunities of their own, but Montenegro keeper Mladen Bozovic emerged as his side’s hero with crucial saves from Rooney and Gareth Barry late on.Capello gave a first England cap to Bolton’s 33-year-old striker Kevin Davies, the country’s oldest debutant for 60 years, and while he gave a lively cameo which also included a booking, there was no way through and Wembley vented its frustration at the final whistle.In contrast, the Montenegro celebrations reflected the importance of the result for the visitors, but it was a bitter disappointment for England after opening their assault on Euro 2012 with impressive victories against Bulgaria and Switzerland.

( BBC Football )

Kyle Lafferty equalises for Northern Ireland in Tiftir

Northern Ireland’s hopes of making the Euro 2012 finals suffered a major blow after being held by the minnows.

Kyle Lafferty and Jonny Evans went close for the visitors in the first half while Niall McGinn missed an open goal just after the break.Christian Holst fired low past Maik Taylor to give the Faroes a surprise lead on the hour.Lafferty hit the bottom corner to level after 76 minutes but the hosts held on despite intense late pressure.Northern Ireland dominated possession in the first half but failed to create clear-cut chances against a hardworking Faroes team.Lafferty justified his selection ahead of David Healy by providing a constant threat in attack.

( BBC Northern Ireland )

Gareth Bale (centre) is left dejected following Wales’ defeat

Wales’ Euro 2012 qualifying hopes seem to be over after just three games after the defeat in Switzerland sent them to the bottom of Group G without a point.

They were behind after eight minutes from a Valentin Stocker header, before the brilliant Gareth Bale levelled by coolly slotting past Marco Wolfli.Switzerland were back in front soon after when Streller was free to slice home a shot.Gökhan Inler converted a controversial penalty before Stocker added a fourth.The scoreline was harsh on Wales who put in a spirited display, but they were unable to convert their chances.Ottmar Hitzfeld’s Switzerland on the other hand, took theirs and exposed a fragile Welsh defence.It is the first time in a European Championships qualifying campaign that Wales have lost their opening three games.

( BBC Football )

Spain’s David Villa celebrates his penalty just before half-time

A spirited Scotland comeback from two goals down ultimately proved futile as Spain left Hampden with three points in their Euro 2012 Group I qualifier.

David Villa slotted home a penalty on the stroke of half-time after Steven Whittaker was punished for hand ball.In 55 minutes Andres Iniesta side-footed home from eight yards before a Steven Naismith diving header and a Gerard Pique own-goal levelled the tie.But a Stephen McManus error allowed Fernando Llorente to tap in the winner.The task facing the Scots was considerable – the Spaniards’ line-up differed from the 11 who started the World Cup final in only two positions.

( BBC Football )

Italy-Serbia Euro 2012 tie abandoned after fan trouble

A fireman picks up a flare thrown on to the pitch in Genoa The Euro 2012 qualifier between Italy and Serbia in Genoa was abandoned after Serbia fans continued to throw flares on to the pitch and light fireworks. The kick-off had already been delayed by 45 minutes as police struggled to maintain order in the Marassi stadium.When the game finally began, more flares and fireworks were thrown on to the field and the referee stopped the match after only seven minutes of play.Italy and Serbia are in the same qualifying group as Northern Ireland.While Northern Ireland drew 1-1 with the Faroe Islands earlier on Tuesday, Italy had been expected to extend their lead at the top of Group C with Serbia struggling for form.But it soon became clear the travelling fans, who had already clashed with police earlier in the day, were in no mood to quietly watch their team.However their actions are now likely to result in Italy being awarded a 3-0 victory by default.Italian football federation general secretary Antonello Valentini told state TV RAI: “The referee felt that the players’ security couldn’t be assured.”Now it’s up to Uefa and their disciplinary procedures.”Ahead of the kick-off Serb fans threw flares and bangers at Italy supporters and on to the pitch, while three fans scaled a security screen and initially refused to get down. Italy keeper Viviano takes evasive action as flares land on the pitc The players finally took to the pitch but with police, firemen and stewards marshalling the area around the away fans, the start was postponed and the players sent back to the changing rooms.Riot police were called for and stationed between Italy and Serbia fans.Eventually the players came back out before the Serbian players went over to the away stand to ask fans to calm down.That seemed to work and soon after the national anthems were played and Scottish referee Craig Thomson blew to get the match started.However, the disorder returned and Thomson stopped the encounter after Serbian fans threw flares, one of which appeared to land close to Italy keeper Emiliano Viviano.”It was impossible to play in that goal. I would have had to constantly turn around to avoid the fireworks. It wouldn’t have been nice to get hit in the head,” said Viviano.Following discussions between the two countries’ delegations and Uefa officials representatives, the Serbs went back to the dressing room.Although no official announcement had been made at that point about the match being cancelled, the Italians then also left the pitch, applauding their fans as they did so, as the majority of supporters left the stadium.Earlier in the day Serb fans attacked a police car before order was restored.Italy, who endured a disastrous World Cup, went into the game with seven points from their opening three games whereas the Serbs were three points adrift after last week’s shock home defeat by Estonia.