Source : Norwich Evening News
Police appeal after Norwich City fans attacked
At least two Norwich City fans needed hospital treatment after being caught up in an attack by football hooligans following a recent away game, police said today, as they appealed for witnesses to the violence.
A group of supporters were drinking at the Globe Tavern near Borough Market, in London, following the 2-1 defeat to Millwall on February 6 when the pub was attacked by a large group.
Southwark CID has issued an appeal for witnesses to come forward and help them crackdown on football violence.
Det Con Darren Swadling said: “Police were called to the Globe Tavern in Bedale Street at around 6.45pm to reports of a fight and damage being caused to the premises. It is believed a large group of men were involved in the disturbance.
“Two men were treated for non serious injuries and around £2,000 worth of damage was caused to the pub after two windows were smashed.”
The Yarmouth Yellows supporters group were among those inside the pub at the time. They had been drinking with a group of friendly Millwall fans when trouble flared.
One Canaries fan said the pub had been pelted with bottles and bricks. He added: “One minute we were having a quiet drink and a bit of banter with some Millwall fans, the next we were attacked by a group of thugs. It was a frightening experience.”
A Millwall fan, who was in the pub at the time and suffered head injuries, said the trouble was “getting ridiculous”. He said he feared for the reputation of the team - whose name has become synonymous with hooliganism.
He added: “I was drinking in there with four Norwich supporters who I know from over the seasons - there were about 20 or 30 of them in the pub. Then a couple of Millwall supporters turned up - I don't know if one of them tried getting a drink and got told he wouldn't get served.
“Then they went mad, starting throwing glasses, ash trays and bottles - it was like a free for all. Millwall went outside and most of the windows got put through. There were a few people who got hurt. Three or four Norwich supporters got put in an ambulance with head injuries.”
Head of security at Millwall, Ken Chapman, said the club did everything it could to keep trouble out of The Den - the London club's home ground.
Last year nine Canaries supporters were jailed after going on a rampage in Leicester following a heavy away defeat in February 2008. Leicester Crown Court heard how a gang of 13 City fans hurled missiles bricks concrete blocks and chairs after the match. Two Leicester City fans were also jailed for their part in the violence.
