Violence in East London as Supporters Clash
Trouble at UP
By Chris O'Brien
February 29 2004
Hooliganism reared it's ugly head in East London, as the two sets of supporters clashed in and around the ground on several occasions. The trouble, probably the worst the club has been involved in for years, marred an excellent game of football between City and West Ham at Upton Park.
| Violence Erupts at Upton Park as Hooliganism Rears Ugly Head |
| Hooliganism reared it's ugly head
during and after the game between West Ham United and Cardiff City at Upton
Park on Saturday, with the two sets of supporters clashing on several
occasions which marred a game that was an excellent advert for First
Division football. The Bluebirds made there first visit to Upton Park for 24 years, and the notorious hooligan element made the journey with them. Violent skirmishes occurred all around the ground this afternoon, despite all City supporters making the trip to London being forced to travel on supporters coaches. The trouble meant the supporters buses from Cardiff didn't leave the ground until two hours after kick-off, which made things very inconvenient for the proper supporters who made the journey to watch a game of football. The club went to lengths to stop violence today, with only season ticket holders and members allowed to travel on 'ticket and travel' supporters coaches. However, despite the blocks on many people making the trip to East London, and severe trouble still took off. The sad reality is that our supporters might be banned from some grounds next season, with something similar happening to Millwall at a few grounds last season. The problems were some of the worst seen for years, with the numbers of injured and whether or not there were any arrests currently unknown. For more information, visit West Ham United's Knees Up Mother Brown. |