" THE DAY IT ALL KICKED OFF IN CARDIFF "
Fri May 15, 2015 9:45 pm
Cardiff City versus Leeds in 2002 and the day it all kicked off in south Wales
Leeds manager David O'Leary was made to eat his words as their FA Cup campaign came unstuck at Cardiff City
LOVED THAT DAY/ONE OF MY GREATEST DAYS FOLLOWING CITY
Worth Reading
Cardiff City versus Leeds in 2002 and the day it all kicked off in south Wales
Crazy spirit: Cardiff owner Sam Hammam goaded Leeds manager David O'Leary in the car park
The Guardian
Friday 15th May 2015
By Jonathan
Cardiff City in the early 2000s was an asylum. Having sold up at Wimbledon, Sam Hammam was building himself another little Crazy Gang in south Wales. He befriended the Soul Crew, Cardiff’s notorious ultras, and would often travel with them to matches. Former Wimbledon hero Alan Cork had been brought in as manager, and the team were doing well in Division Two. This was the atmosphere that Leeds United stepped into in January 2002 for an FA Cup tie.
“Sam used to loosen the bolts in the railings a little bit so they could rattle them,” Cork says. “It was an interesting game.”
Leeds were the golden club of English football: top of the Premiership and eyeing an FA Cup triumph at the Millennium Stadium. “We will start and end our FA Cup run in Cardiff,” Leeds manager David O’Leary confidently announced.
For his part, Hammam did plenty to stir the pot, saying Cardiff were a bigger club than Leeds. And despite the 53 league places between them, Cardiff had some pretty good players: Danny Gabbidon and Robert Earnshaw would go on to have decent Premier League careers. Earnshaw, on the right wing, gave Leeds’s Ian Harte a torrid afternoon.
But as early as the first minute, there were signs of trouble. The match had to be stopped to remove bottles and coins from the pitch. Rio Ferdinand was injured early on, and replaced by Michael Duberry. It was the first time he had played alongside Jonathan Woodgate since testifying against him at his affray trial, and, according to one report, the pair “barely acknowledged each other during the game”.
Nonetheless, Leeds scored early to settle the nerves. The normally dependable Spencer Prior played the ball straight to Gary Kelly, who slipped it to Mark Viduka, and after just 12 minutes Leeds were ahead. “I’m thinking, ‘Oh crikey, it could be five or six now’,” Cork says.
But nine minutes later, Graham Kavanagh equalised with a brilliant free-kick. Just before half-time, Leeds went down to 10 men when Alan Smith threw an elbow at Andy Legg.
With 13 minutes left, Hammam indulged in his usual habit of taking a walk around the pitch, with his bodyguard - a convicted football hooligan called Neil MacNamara - in tow. As he passed the Leeds fans, more bottles and coins rained down. Referee Andy d’Urso was hit, and had to receive treatment.
Meanwhile, Cardiff were turning the screw. With three minutes left, Leo Fortune-West headed a corner, and Scott Young smashed it in. At full-time, around 1,000 Cardiff fans stormed the pitch, among them Hammam waving a giant Welsh flag. Riot police and dogs intervened to stop a full-scale ruck.
Cork, meanwhile, was oblivious to all this. “I didn’t actually see the pitch invasion,” he says. “I’d gone straight down the tunnel, into the dressing room, where the lads were going crazy. Then all the cameras were there, and I didn't get out again. I saw people coming on the pitch, but I didn’t know there was any trouble. So I said it was ‘just football’, and I got a bit of stick for sticking up for them. I didn’t realise they’d been causing havoc.”
Hammam, still high on the fumes of his triumph, was not done yet. Spotting O’Leary in the car park, he could not resist goading him. “I told you we were the bigger club!” he shouted. “You were right about one thing: your FA Cup run started and finished in Cardiff!”
A furious O’Leary marched over to Hammam and grabbed him by the lapels, before being pulled away by chairman Peter Ridsdale.
The fallout lasted several days. Football Association chief executive Adam Crozier vowed to catch the perpetrators. A Leeds fan appeared on ITN news with a giant gash on his leg, claiming he had been savaged by a police dog.
“It was always going to [kick off],” Cork says. “Over the years, Cardiff have had a gang of people that caused trouble, and so have Leeds. Obviously it’s not so bad nowadays, but people just got carried away. I suppose Sam could take a bit of blame. But that was Sam, he liked to get involved with the supporters.”
To this day, Cardiff fans serenade their Leeds counterparts with chants of “There’s only one Scott Young”. Doubtless there will be a few renditions this afternoon too, with Young the club’s new assistant manager.
For Cork, unfortunately, the story ended rather sooner. Hammam sacked him a month later.
Leeds manager David O'Leary was made to eat his words as their FA Cup campaign came unstuck at Cardiff City
LOVED THAT DAY/ONE OF MY GREATEST DAYS FOLLOWING CITY
Worth Reading
Cardiff City versus Leeds in 2002 and the day it all kicked off in south Wales
Crazy spirit: Cardiff owner Sam Hammam goaded Leeds manager David O'Leary in the car park
The Guardian
Friday 15th May 2015
By Jonathan
Cardiff City in the early 2000s was an asylum. Having sold up at Wimbledon, Sam Hammam was building himself another little Crazy Gang in south Wales. He befriended the Soul Crew, Cardiff’s notorious ultras, and would often travel with them to matches. Former Wimbledon hero Alan Cork had been brought in as manager, and the team were doing well in Division Two. This was the atmosphere that Leeds United stepped into in January 2002 for an FA Cup tie.
“Sam used to loosen the bolts in the railings a little bit so they could rattle them,” Cork says. “It was an interesting game.”
Leeds were the golden club of English football: top of the Premiership and eyeing an FA Cup triumph at the Millennium Stadium. “We will start and end our FA Cup run in Cardiff,” Leeds manager David O’Leary confidently announced.
For his part, Hammam did plenty to stir the pot, saying Cardiff were a bigger club than Leeds. And despite the 53 league places between them, Cardiff had some pretty good players: Danny Gabbidon and Robert Earnshaw would go on to have decent Premier League careers. Earnshaw, on the right wing, gave Leeds’s Ian Harte a torrid afternoon.
But as early as the first minute, there were signs of trouble. The match had to be stopped to remove bottles and coins from the pitch. Rio Ferdinand was injured early on, and replaced by Michael Duberry. It was the first time he had played alongside Jonathan Woodgate since testifying against him at his affray trial, and, according to one report, the pair “barely acknowledged each other during the game”.
Nonetheless, Leeds scored early to settle the nerves. The normally dependable Spencer Prior played the ball straight to Gary Kelly, who slipped it to Mark Viduka, and after just 12 minutes Leeds were ahead. “I’m thinking, ‘Oh crikey, it could be five or six now’,” Cork says.
But nine minutes later, Graham Kavanagh equalised with a brilliant free-kick. Just before half-time, Leeds went down to 10 men when Alan Smith threw an elbow at Andy Legg.
With 13 minutes left, Hammam indulged in his usual habit of taking a walk around the pitch, with his bodyguard - a convicted football hooligan called Neil MacNamara - in tow. As he passed the Leeds fans, more bottles and coins rained down. Referee Andy d’Urso was hit, and had to receive treatment.
Meanwhile, Cardiff were turning the screw. With three minutes left, Leo Fortune-West headed a corner, and Scott Young smashed it in. At full-time, around 1,000 Cardiff fans stormed the pitch, among them Hammam waving a giant Welsh flag. Riot police and dogs intervened to stop a full-scale ruck.
Cork, meanwhile, was oblivious to all this. “I didn’t actually see the pitch invasion,” he says. “I’d gone straight down the tunnel, into the dressing room, where the lads were going crazy. Then all the cameras were there, and I didn't get out again. I saw people coming on the pitch, but I didn’t know there was any trouble. So I said it was ‘just football’, and I got a bit of stick for sticking up for them. I didn’t realise they’d been causing havoc.”
Hammam, still high on the fumes of his triumph, was not done yet. Spotting O’Leary in the car park, he could not resist goading him. “I told you we were the bigger club!” he shouted. “You were right about one thing: your FA Cup run started and finished in Cardiff!”
A furious O’Leary marched over to Hammam and grabbed him by the lapels, before being pulled away by chairman Peter Ridsdale.
The fallout lasted several days. Football Association chief executive Adam Crozier vowed to catch the perpetrators. A Leeds fan appeared on ITN news with a giant gash on his leg, claiming he had been savaged by a police dog.
“It was always going to [kick off],” Cork says. “Over the years, Cardiff have had a gang of people that caused trouble, and so have Leeds. Obviously it’s not so bad nowadays, but people just got carried away. I suppose Sam could take a bit of blame. But that was Sam, he liked to get involved with the supporters.”
To this day, Cardiff fans serenade their Leeds counterparts with chants of “There’s only one Scott Young”. Doubtless there will be a few renditions this afternoon too, with Young the club’s new assistant manager.
For Cork, unfortunately, the story ended rather sooner. Hammam sacked him a month later.
Re: " THE DAY IT ALL KICKED OFF IN CARDIFF "
Fri May 15, 2015 9:55 pm
From FB
Peter Edwards Leeds have never been the same since.
Annis Abraham Peter, that the beggining of their down fall
Peter Edwards Leeds have never been the same since.
Annis Abraham Peter, that the beggining of their down fall
Re: " THE DAY IT ALL KICKED OFF IN CARDIFF "
Fri May 15, 2015 9:55 pm
Great read quite ironic with Ridsdale.
Re: " THE DAY IT ALL KICKED OFF IN CARDIFF "
Fri May 15, 2015 9:58 pm
Rydogsccfc wrote:Great read quite ironic with Ridsdale.
I agree, really enjoyed the read and superb memories
Re: " THE DAY IT ALL KICKED OFF IN CARDIFF "
Fri May 15, 2015 10:01 pm
From FB
Mason Edwards Dave Leebetter give this a Read
Unlike · Reply · 1 · 4 mins
Annis Abraham A Big Read.
Like · Reply · 3 mins
Peter Edwards Your right Annis, Ninian was like a bear pit that day.Fantasic atmoshere.
Unlike · Reply · 1 · 3 mins
Annis Abraham Peter, Ninian Park was like that for all the big games.
Like · Reply · 1 · 2 mins
Peter Edwards I miss it Annis, and always will, i loved the place. Been in there a few times, in 50,000 plus crowds, amazing experience.
Unlike · Reply · 1 · 1 min
Bradley Ashford They Don't Make Days Like That No More!!!
Unlike · Reply · 1 · 1 min
Annis Abraham And I do Peter, big time.
Like · Reply · 1 · Just now
Annis Abraham Brad, Hope your well my friend, they certainly dont.
Mason Edwards Dave Leebetter give this a Read
Unlike · Reply · 1 · 4 mins
Annis Abraham A Big Read.
Like · Reply · 3 mins
Peter Edwards Your right Annis, Ninian was like a bear pit that day.Fantasic atmoshere.
Unlike · Reply · 1 · 3 mins
Annis Abraham Peter, Ninian Park was like that for all the big games.
Like · Reply · 1 · 2 mins
Peter Edwards I miss it Annis, and always will, i loved the place. Been in there a few times, in 50,000 plus crowds, amazing experience.
Unlike · Reply · 1 · 1 min
Bradley Ashford They Don't Make Days Like That No More!!!
Unlike · Reply · 1 · 1 min
Annis Abraham And I do Peter, big time.
Like · Reply · 1 · Just now
Annis Abraham Brad, Hope your well my friend, they certainly dont.
Re: " THE DAY IT ALL KICKED OFF IN CARDIFF "
Fri May 15, 2015 10:36 pm
Loved that game and I still get shivers every time I see scott youngs goal. My favourite ninian park memory.
Re: " THE DAY IT ALL KICKED OFF IN CARDIFF "
Fri May 15, 2015 11:17 pm
It never kicked off it was all chanting and waving. They never wanted it coz we had the numbers and the police were never going to allow it anyway. We have had better goes with plymouth, barnsley and portsmouth at home.
Re: " THE DAY IT ALL KICKED OFF IN CARDIFF "
Fri May 15, 2015 11:45 pm
2002???? 
Bloody Nora, I'm feeling really old right now!!!!
Was handbags at 10 paces and a massive over reaction from the authorities and (in particular) David O'Leary and an embarrassed Leeds United; then led by a certain ex-Cardiff Chairman!!!!
Respect to ex-Sky man Andy Gray, who was the only pundit to defend us on the night and afterwards!
Top of the Premier League at the time and seen as one of the leading teams in Europe...
Leeds scum never been the same since that night...and I feckin' loves it!!!!
Bloody Nora, I'm feeling really old right now!!!!
Was handbags at 10 paces and a massive over reaction from the authorities and (in particular) David O'Leary and an embarrassed Leeds United; then led by a certain ex-Cardiff Chairman!!!!
Respect to ex-Sky man Andy Gray, who was the only pundit to defend us on the night and afterwards!
Top of the Premier League at the time and seen as one of the leading teams in Europe...
Leeds scum never been the same since that night...and I feckin' loves it!!!!
Re: " THE DAY IT ALL KICKED OFF IN CARDIFF "
Sat May 16, 2015 7:00 am
Ridsdale as usual was a real gent afterwards.
Took defeat like a man.
A smooth crook he might have been, but when it came to being gracious in defeat he could teach one or two a lesson - including O'Leary !
Took defeat like a man.
A smooth crook he might have been, but when it came to being gracious in defeat he could teach one or two a lesson - including O'Leary !
Re: " THE DAY IT ALL KICKED OFF IN CARDIFF "
Sat May 16, 2015 8:24 am
From FB
Mason Edwards Me and dad used to go Ninian Park great memories x
Unlike · Reply · 1 ·
Pete Hounsell I can't believe it was 13 years ago. It was a scary sight seeing hundreds of Leeds fans getting on the train at Hereford.. The sneaky buggers had taken coaches and mini buses there in order to "train it into Cardiff"
Unlike · Reply · 1 ·
G AJ Richards What a day ! What a stadium, those where the days! Bluebirds
Unlike · Reply · 1 ·
Pam Mrs-Simmo No one in there bloody seats the stadium was electric I think every person in that ground was on the pitch playing with the players Emotionally drained after that game loved every minute x
Unlike · Reply · 1
Mason Edwards Me and dad used to go Ninian Park great memories x
Unlike · Reply · 1 ·
Pete Hounsell I can't believe it was 13 years ago. It was a scary sight seeing hundreds of Leeds fans getting on the train at Hereford.. The sneaky buggers had taken coaches and mini buses there in order to "train it into Cardiff"
Unlike · Reply · 1 ·
G AJ Richards What a day ! What a stadium, those where the days! Bluebirds
Unlike · Reply · 1 ·
Pam Mrs-Simmo No one in there bloody seats the stadium was electric I think every person in that ground was on the pitch playing with the players Emotionally drained after that game loved every minute x
Unlike · Reply · 1
Re: " THE DAY IT ALL KICKED OFF IN CARDIFF "
Sat May 16, 2015 10:18 am
I could never forget that day
I also been in ninnion park with over 50 k in there on many occasions
But the atmosphere that day was second to none for Me
Just shows what we could be like if they would only let us down at the ccs
Sit down, don't shout ,don't look at the away fans ,etc ,etc,
Oh how they have ruined us with there stupid rules and regulations
I also been in ninnion park with over 50 k in there on many occasions
But the atmosphere that day was second to none for Me
Just shows what we could be like if they would only let us down at the ccs
Sit down, don't shout ,don't look at the away fans ,etc ,etc,
Oh how they have ruined us with there stupid rules and regulations
Re: " THE DAY IT ALL KICKED OFF IN CARDIFF "
Sat May 16, 2015 12:43 pm
Link of game
http://youtu.be/kHWdL86yoMs
Was only young but can remember the atmosphere being electric.
http://youtu.be/kHWdL86yoMs
Was only young but can remember the atmosphere being electric.