Bluebirds and Swans unite in bid to stop feathers flying

Bluebirds and Swans unite in bid to stop feathers flying at Premier League derby

Cardiff will meet Swansea in the Welsh capital on November 3 and again at the Liberty Stadium on February 8
By Sion Morgan | 18 Jul 2013



Neath MP Peter Hain, a Swansea City supporter, and Cardiff South and Penarth MP Stephen Doughty, a Cardiff City supporter, have launched an initiative which will also see both clubs and South Wales Police exploring ways to showcase the best of both cities when the Swans meet the Bluebirds in the Welsh capital on November 3 and again at the Liberty Stadium on February 8.

In a joint statement, Mr Hain and Mr Doughty said: “Now that both teams are in the Premiership with its very high profile and global media exposure, it is vital that both supporters focus on the clash on the pitch and that there is no return to the unsavoury scenes we saw in previous years.

“Both clubs and their fans have made huge strides forward in making their clubs family-friendly in recent years and cracking down on anti-social behaviour, and we want to see that continue this season despite the inevitable rivalries which will exist.”

The pair added: “We are speaking to supporter representatives and they are in total agreement, and have agreed to meet to discuss how best to ensure the derby matches show the very best of our clubs and our cities in the season ahead.

“We will also be speaking to police and club representatives.”

The famous football fixture has historically been overshadowed by bitter tribalism which has on occasion escalated into violence.

In September 1988 a group of Cardiff fans were infamously chased into the sea by a group of Swansea fans. In December 1993 a match between the two sides dubbed “The Battle Of Ninian Park” saw Swansea fans ripping out seats and throwing them at the Cardiff supporters, which resulted in the home fans invading the pitch.

In recent years, however, the clashes have in general seen little trouble, thanks in-part to heavily organised police operations.

Both Swansea and Cardiff supporters trusts are already meeting to discuss peace strategies ahead of the derby games.

Tim Hartley from the Cardiff trust said: “The Cardiff and Swansea trusts will join forces to ensure these historic games, our first together in the Premiership, are remembered for all the right reasons.”

Superintendent Tony Smith said: “South Wales Police are accustomed to policing large sporting events as a result of hosting the Wembley fixtures for six years and two Premier League seasons in Swansea.

“We work closely with the two clubs and policing arrangements for the forthcoming season are being developed.”

Was this written by a jack?

I think these two had best get back to fiddling expenses or giving themselves 11% pay rises and keep their noses out of something which for years they could not care less about.Talk about jumping on the bandwagon.Peter Hain is the most two faces Mp I have ever met. Runs with the fox and the hounds.............trust him at your peril.

I think these two had best get back to fiddling expenses or giving themselves 11% pay rises and keep their noses out of something which for years they could not care less about.Talk about jumping on the bandwagon.Peter Hain is the most two faces Mp I have ever met. Runs with the fox and the hounds.............trust him at your peril.

Have to agree, besides, it has been so well policed over the past few years that it's barely an issue any more. Just a couple of politicians trying to get some publicity.

I think these two had best get back to fiddling expenses or giving themselves 11% pay rises and keep their noses out of something which for years they could not care less about.Talk about jumping on the bandwagon.Peter Hain is the most two faces Mp I have ever met. Runs with the fox and the hounds.............trust him at your peril.

Spot on. Now that his Severn Barrage campaign has fallen flat on its arse (as one of the lead stakeholder from the consortium turned out to be a serial bankruptee), Hain The Pain now wants some PL publicity for doing absolutely fuck-all. I've always said that if someone wants to be a politician, then they shouldn't be allowed to do so. Keep these idiots as far away from football as possible. Clowns.

Bluebirds and Swans unite in bid to stop feathers flying at Premier League derby

Cardiff will meet Swansea in the Welsh capital on November 3 and again at the Liberty Stadium on February 8
By Sion Morgan | 18 Jul 2013



Neath MP Peter Hain, a Swansea City supporter, and Cardiff South and Penarth MP Stephen Doughty, a Cardiff City supporter, have launched an initiative which will also see both clubs and South Wales Police exploring ways to showcase the best of both cities when the Swans meet the Bluebirds in the Welsh capital on November 3 and again at the Liberty Stadium on February 8.

In a joint statement, Mr Hain and Mr Doughty said: “Now that both teams are in the Premiership with its very high profile and global media exposure, it is vital that both supporters focus on the clash on the pitch and that there is no return to the unsavoury scenes we saw in previous years.

“Both clubs and their fans have made huge strides forward in making their clubs family-friendly in recent years and cracking down on anti-social behaviour, and we want to see that continue this season despite the inevitable rivalries which will exist.”

The pair added: “We are speaking to supporter representatives and they are in total agreement, and have agreed to meet to discuss how best to ensure the derby matches show the very best of our clubs and our cities in the season ahead.

“We will also be speaking to police and club representatives.”

The famous football fixture has historically been overshadowed by bitter tribalism which has on occasion escalated into violence.

In September 1988 a group of Cardiff fans were infamously chased into the sea by a group of Swansea fans. In December 1993 a match between the two sides dubbed “The Battle Of Ninian Park” saw Swansea fans ripping out seats and throwing them at the Cardiff supporters, which resulted in the home fans invading the pitch.

In recent years, however, the clashes have in general seen little trouble, thanks in-part to heavily organised police operations.

Both Swansea and Cardiff supporters trusts are already meeting to discuss peace strategies ahead of the derby games.

Tim Hartley from the Cardiff trust said: “The Cardiff and Swansea trusts will join forces to ensure these historic games, our first together in the Premiership, are remembered for all the right reasons.”

Superintendent Tony Smith said: “South Wales Police are accustomed to policing large sporting events as a result of hosting the Wembley fixtures for six years and two Premier League seasons in Swansea.

“We work closely with the two clubs and policing arrangements for the forthcoming season are being developed.”

You can tell its Parliament recess and they need to fidn something to stay in the paers with - pair of dick heads!

Yes. a real ITK article.

Swansea have proper terrorised us over the years