Yob problem at Chester station on Saturday

[merlodlliw]

This article appeared in Tuesdays local daily "Wrexham Leader" I have put it up for information.

Wrexham fan's terror as violence erupts at station
Published date: 29 January 2013 | Published by: Staff Reporter


A WREXHAM FC fan has told of his terror after trouble erupted between rival factions at Chester Railway Station.

The fan, who does not want to be named, was returning from the Reds’ FA Trophy match at Southport when he was caught up in violent scenes at the station.

He told how frightened commuters had taken refuge in the Costa Coffee shop while the yobs fought with each other in the station building, damaging bins and throwing signs.

About 20 people were involved in the clash, which is thought to have started after rival groups encountered each other in the Town Crier pub opposite the station.

Police are now studying CCTV footage in a bid to track down the troublemakers.
Another eyewitness, a Chester FC supporter who also asked for his identity to be protected, said he had been in the Town Crier when the trouble flared. “I usually meet a friend off the train for a drink in the Town Crier and as soon as I walked in you could tell that it wasn’t the usual crowd,” he said.

“Some Wrexham fans came in and started having a drink and then it all kicked off.

“Really, there should have been a strong police presence in the station as they should have realised Wrexham were returning from an away game and would be stopping in Chester.”

Both Cheshire Police and British Transport Police officers were called to the scene at 7.45pm on Saturday after reports of violence, although by the time officers arrived the brawl had broken up and no arrests were made.

British Transport Police spokesman Glyn Hellam said: “We were called to the scene after reports of violence between Chester and Wrexham fans at the station.

“We attended the scene, as did Cheshire Police, but by the time we had arrived the groups had left the scene and no arrests were made. We are now working with police and monitoring CCTV footage of the incident and are looking for people to come forward who may have information on the incident.”

Both football clubs were quick to condemn the actions of fans and expressed their disappointment at the incident.

Wrexham FC secretary Geraint Parry said: “Wrexham is now a community trust run club and we have built up an excellent reputation. We strongly condemn any violence that took place.”

Chester FC chief executive Pat Cluskey said: “If it is the case, it is disappointing to hear of such an altercation. Chester Football Club is a community club and condemns any violence in the name of football.”

Anybody with information should call 0800 405040, quoting incident number 480 of January 26.

 

[Bullfield WEst]

It's all Elton John's fault because when he was Chairman of Watford FC. he made a record called "Saturday Night's alright for Fighting"!

 

[Bungle73]

What is about football that it seems to attract scum? What other sport do they have to have separated seating for supporters of different teams lest they start fighting?

 

[GWRtom]

What is about football that it seems to attract scum? What other sport do they have to have separated seating for supporters of different teams lest they start fighting?

None.

Because no other sport attracts such passionate support for a team.

Which people like these use as a excuse.

 

[ainsworth74]

Because no other sport attracts such passionate support for a team.

I've known some pretty passionate supporters of Rugby teams and they don't seem prone to violence or need to be separated from other supporters. I'm afraid to say I reject this notion that somehow Football is special in the level of passion attached to it. The most visible perhaps.