14 arrested in petrol bomb soccer fan clashes
Fourteen people were arrested today after petrol bombs were thrown during clashes between football fans.
Racially fuelled riots broke out before and after the game in Oldham, Greater Manchester, between the local club and Stoke City.
Racist chants were shouted by Stoke fans during play at Oldham Athletic’s stadium. It is believed they were triggered by an alleged racist attack on a white war veteran a week ago.
Walter Chamberlain, 76, was beaten by a gang of Asian youths as he walked home from a local rugby match last Saturday.
Problems in the town came to the forefront recently when Asian youths told the BBC they were creating ‘‘no-go zones’’ for whites, although this has been strenuously denied by police and community leaders.
Last weekend there were three racist attacks in the town and neighbouring Chadderton.
Of those arrested today, nine were from Stoke and five from the Oldham area. Police said all the arrests related to public order offences, including three for violent disorder.
Police would not confirm the trouble started when 50, of around 350 Stoke supporters, launched a barrage of racist abuse towards members of the local Asian community.
In a statement police said they were ‘‘well aware of the reputation of a minority of Stoke City fans’’ who have caused trouble across the country.
They added: ‘‘It would be therefore foolish to link the behaviour of Stoke City fans to local problems in Oldham given that some elements of Stoke City fans seem to cause trouble everywhere.
‘‘Racist chanting at football matches is unfortunately a problem at a number of clubs around the country. GMP have a great deal of experience of dealing with these problems and intend to follow up these matters in due course.’’
The statement added: ‘‘It’s regrettable that younger elements in the local community also engaged in the trouble and we therefore appeal for calm and a return to order in the area.’’
The petrol bombs were thrown at police on Chadderton Way. No one was hurt.
Greater Manchester Police said their presence was reduced as the fans dispersed.
Chief Constable David Wilmot and local council leaders in Oldham are trying to stop a National Front march planned for May 5.
The British National Party has also announced it has chosen two prospective parliamentary candidates to stand in Oldham’s west and east wards at the next General Election.
Trouble also broke out in north Wales this afternoon before a match between Wrexham and Millwall.
A number of fans were arrested before the match, which was delayed for 15 minutes, after a number of minor disturbances around Wrexham.
