Naughty Leeds fans clash with police

Last updated : 16 January 2005 By Michael Morris
Mounted officers were injured and at least one horse bolted after Leeds Utd fans clashed with police after yesterdays game with Cardiff City.

Believe me when I say that this time there was no Cardiff involvement in the violence between the home supporters and the police.

City fans were contained inside Elland Rd for almost 50 mins after the game and then we were all shown directly to our coaches for the escort from the ground out onto the M62 and M1. As the Bluebird supporters waited patiently inside the ground outside it was a different matter. Home fans were hoping to ambush the travelling Bluebirds and ended up fighting the local law enforcement.

10 Leeds supporters were arrested.

"At the conclusion of the match the Cardiff supporters were detained inside the ground with a view to their own safety, and they behaved extremely well.

"Unfortunately after making their way to the waiting coaches, Leeds supporters attacked police officers, with two sustaining minor injuries," said a West Yorkshire Police spokesman.

"One injured his back after being pulled from his horse which bolted, but fortunately was retrieved, while another injured his leg.

"There were 10 arrests for public order offences."

All Cardiff fans were bussed into Elland Rd for the match that ended 1 - 1. In total 26 coaches containing over 1300 City fans met up at a service station on the M1 before being taken to Leeds in three waves. On arrival into a secure compound the fans were directed to the turnstiles and into the corner section of Elland Rd. There were no Cardiff fans mingling with home supporters.

The Yorkshire police did an excellent job and while the level of officers at times appeared over the top it meant myself and my two young children were safe at all times.