Chelsea fans on rampage in Bristol streets

Press, 25 February 1980, Page 18

Chelsea fans on rampage in Bristol streets

More than 35 people were taken to hospital on Saturday after Chelsea fans rampaged through the streets of Bristol after their team’s 0-3 loss to Bristol Rovers.

The fans fought running battles with the police, rival fans, and passers-by as they made their way from Rovers’ Eastville Stadium to the nearby Stapleton Road station for special trains. Shop windows were broken, cars attacked, and street fights raged as hundreds of fans made their way on the mile-long route.

Fifteen of the injured, most with cuts and bruises, were taken to Frenchaj’ Hospital, Bristol. Two were detained with concussion and head wounds. Another man was treated for a stab wound to the hand but was allowed home. Bristol Royal Infirmary treated at least 20 more for mainly minor injuries. Trouble flared even before the match as Chelsea fans jostled shoppers in the city cenre. Groups of youths ran through the busy streets and the police were called in to break them up;

At the match itself there was fighting before the kickoff when at least 300 Chelsea fans infiltrated the “tote” end of the home side. The situation was confused in that both teams sported blue-and-white colours.

Eight mounted policemen and other men were sent to quell lhe disturbances. Scores of fans were ejected from the ground while others were sent to the visitors’ end.

In the second half, as Rovers scored their second and third goals in quick succession, there was a tremendous surge of fans at the visitors’ end.

They pushed over iron railings surrounding the greyhound track which adjoins .the pitch but were eventually held in check by a strong force of police.

After the match there were further ugly scenes as rival Tans fought in the car-park and the streets outside. Those. arrested were charged with offences including criminal damage, breach of the peace, and assault on the police.