Cardiff City cleared after ‘riot’

Following an incident of crowd trouble which occurred during the Wolverhampton Wanderers versus Cardiff City Championship game played on Saturday 11th March 2006, a full investigation was carried out by an FAW panel.


A small disturbance was caused at half time during the game when bars in the away end were mistakenly opened but closed minutes later after queues had formed. A minor disturbance ensues with chanting whilst some fans rattled the shutters of the closed bar. The trouble calmed immediately but it was the arrival of riot police minutes later that caused the most concern. The heavy handed and seemingly unnecessary tactics employed led to fans being shunted down staircases with one fan injuring his leg after being pushed between rows of seats.


Cardiff City bans have been banned for this season’s game at Molineux and a demonstration is planned for the day and backed by the National Football Supporters Federation, nevertheless, despite an appeal and the tireless work of Cardiff City supporter’s groups, City fans will not be allowed to attend the game.


The opinions of many supporters at the game, as well as commentators of Radio Wales were that the trouble was more caused than calmed by the heavy-handed tactics of West Midland’s Police and it is their tactics that should be investigated rather than the small-scale actions of a few Cardiff City supporters.


Cardiff City have been cleared of all charges following the investigation, but due to the timescale of the inquest, now brought to a close, the decision to ban City supporters had been taken.


Another incident took place at Ninian Prk when Wolves supporters scuffled with stewards and police, whilst others ripped up a section of seating in the away end during a 4-1 win for the Bluebirds.