Fans praised despite arrests

Police today praised the vast majority of England's travelling support following last night's European Championship clash with Turkey.

Their praise comes amid fears that future England internationals could be played behind closed doors.

A total of 106 people were arrested throughout the day, with almost half from two particular incidents in which police acted to nip any potential violence in the bud ahead of the game at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.

The arrested fans were from across the country, with almost half from Yorkshire and 29 from Leeds itself.

It had been feared before the game that Leeds United supporters would use the Euro 2004 qualifier to gain revenge for the murder of two Leeds fans in Istanbul three years ago.

Other arrested fans came from areas including London, Cumbria, West Midlands, Middlesex and Kent, with 15 from Sunderland and a small number from Newcastle.

Northumbria Police Superintendent Jim Campbell

said today: "Almost half of the people arrested were from Yorkshire.

"There had been suggestions there would be a big contingent from Leeds travelling up but whether they were Leeds United fans I cannot say.

"The vast majority of English fans were there to enjoy the game.

"What we need to do is identify and ostracise this minority intent on causing problems.

"They are the problem, not English fans per se.

"It is likely that a significant number of those arrested will be known football hooligans.

"It was evident there was a minority of so-called fans out there not interested in the match. Their intention was to either fight among themselves or have a go at the Turkish fans.

"We will now have an intelligence debrief and the information we get from that can be used to aid policing of future internationals.

"The Turkish fans en-masse and the vast proportion of English fans behaved tremendously and enjoyed what was a marvellous sporting occasion.

"I think the event will be remembered for what was a memorable 2-0 victory for England."

Supt Campbell also warned that the arrest figure could rise after video footage was studied of the incident in which England fans attempted to ambush coaches carrying Turkish supporters.

He added: "There was a stand-off with English fans trying to get to the coaches but we had evidence gatherers at the scene and the force

helicopter overhead.

"If we identify anyone from that footage we will bring them to justice, it's very likely the arrest figure will rise."

Of the arrests, more than 60 were arrested for public order offences, and others for being drunk and disorderly, using threatening behaviour and a handful for affray and violent conduct.

The public order offences include racial chanting and abuse inside the ground which Supt Campbell labelled "an unacceptable occurrence".

Most watched News videos