Scum trying to 'out-do' us?

http://www.thisisoxfordshire.co.uk/oxfordshire/news/TOPNEWS0.html

Quote

Nine Oxford United supporters have been banned from attending football matches anywhere in England and Wales after clashing with rival fans.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/l15tfc/muppet.jpg
Oxford United general manager Steve Hanks

The men, all from Oxfordshire, were involved in a fight in a Chester bar which spilled out into the street, forcing terrified members of the public to scatter into shops.

On Friday, at Chester Crown Court, the nine fans admitted threatening behaviour.

Each was given an 18-month conditional discharge, ordered to pay £50 costs, and given a three-year banning order under the Football Disorder Act 2000.

The three-year restriction prevents them attending any matches played by Premiership, Football League, or Conference clubs in England and Wales.

They are also prevented from entering Oxford city centre, Temple Cowley and the area around the Kassam Stadium on match days.

They also cannot travel to towns where away matches are being played.

The clash broke out on November 27, 2004, when Oxford United played a Coca Cola League Two away fixture at Chester City.

Thirty-five U's fans were drinking in Yates's wine lodge, shortly before kick-off, when a group of Chester fans went into the pub.

A fight started and the trouble spread into the street, with the Oxford fans chasing the Chester fans.

Dc Huw James, Thames Valley Police's football intelligence officer, said: "It was the last shopping Saturday in November and the streets were very busy with shoppers.

"It was a very threatening situation for any member of the public, including the elderly and mums with pushchairs, and it was simply by chance that no-one was threatened or hurt as a result.

"In my opinion, this was a well organised fight between the two groups, particularly in light of the fact that the Oxford fans were nowhere near the ground and it was 2.45pm.

Detectives from Oxford's football unit liaised with Cheshire Police after watching CCTV footage of the violence.

Despite the banning orders, the nine Oxford fans were not asked to surrender their passports, which means they can travel to Germany to watch World Cup matches.

Dc James said: "Although I'm very disappointed these individuals did not receive an international banning order, the German authorities, immigration service, and German police could take steps to remind individuals banned in this country that they may not be welcome.

"I spoke to the nine after the court case and advised them that if they try to travel to the World Cup, they could be refused entry to the country.

"I'm delighted the investigation has culminated in these banning orders. This sends out a very strong message to anyone prepared to engage in disorder at football, that they will be dealt with, and on every occasion a banning order will be sought."

Oxford United general manager Steve Hanks said last night: "We do not condone hooliganism at football games, from our fans or anyone else.

"All Football League clubs have been working to eliminate a long-standing problem, and have gone a long way to improving the position within grounds over the past few years.

"We're pleased the court has dealt with this case in a sensible manner."

No Chester City fans were prosecuted as a result of the brawl.

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Check the general manager out! looks like a right fool!