01 December 2004
| Eye Witness Account on the Red Passion Messageboard |
Whist running the gauntlet
being Dumpers Lane post match I was witness to a horrific attack by a so
called Chester fan.
|
WREXHAM supporters are furious after their cars were targeted by yobs at last night’s derby match against rivals Chester City.
Mindless thugs scratched fans’ cars as tensions boiled over after the match.
Visiting supporters, who followed the advice of Chester City FC and police, and parked in on the former Cattle Market site were shocked to discover their cars had been vandalised.
Many vehicles had been damaged and a number had “England” scratched into the paintwork.
The police have confirmed six fans were arrested.
They also say they managed to foil an organised mass brawl between the two sets of fans.
Officers placed a massive ring of security, including riot squads and specialist intelligence units, around the stadium in anticipation of trouble given the history between the two clubs.
Eye witnesses also reported that one supporter, who was with his two young daughters, is reported to have been viciously attacked as he made his way from the Saunders Honda Stadium.
His children were said to have been screaming in the street.
Insp Geoff Williams, who oversaw the operation, said: “We did experience scuffles after last night’s game but managed to prevent any major disorder.
“A number of fans’ cars were scratched on the roadway outside of the ground and we are investigating.
“Given the history of matches between Wrexham and Chester City FC, we were ready for any major disorder, and, in fact, did receive intelligence to suggest an organised brawl was to take place between supporters, but fortunately we managed to intercept that and no such trouble materialised as a result off the tight security we put in place.”
Some supporters claimed there were not enough police on duty at Bumpers Lane as the two sets of fans entered the ground.
One eyewitness said: “One officer found himself stranded along the lane and ended up helplessly and unsuccessfully trying to apprehend a number of youths.
“Once we were outside the ground we were surrounded by officers in riot gear, there was a heavy police presence there.
“Once we were away from the ground though it was quite daunting as groups of fans were channelled along one long road and you couldn’t see an officer anywhere.
“We could see fights breaking out around the place and there were children walking along that road. They must have been terrified.”
Earlier in the evening, about 30 Wrexham supporters went on the rampage smashing windows and hurling glasses inside the White Horse pub, Handbridge.
An eyewitness said: “At about tea-time, about 30 Wrexham fans made their way into the pub and soon after began smashing windows. It was a show of reckless violence. Thankfully no-one was injured.”
