16/03/2009

Five Arrested Over Uefa Cup Final Violence

Five suspected football hooligans have been arrested over the Uefa Cup final in Manchester last year.

The men, aged 21, 24, 27, 34 and 36 were held on suspicion of violent disorder following dawn raids in the Glasgow area on Monday by Manchester and Strathclyde Police.

Violence erupted Manchester after a screen in a fan zone failed before the match between Rangers and Zenit St Petersburg.

Fans of the Glasgow side battled with riot police after Ranger's lost to Russia's Zenit St Petersburg in the final last May. One Russian fan was stabbed, 15 police officers were injured and there were more than 40 arrests after fighting broke out in the city.

Around 150,000 Scottish fans are thought to have travelled for the game at the City of Manchester stadium on 14 May 2008.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) launched Operation gale to find those responsible for the violence.

In January, Detectives released pictures of 49 people they had identified as suspects. The BBC’s Crimewatch also featured an appeal, and footage was placed on GMPs website, YouTube, Facebook and Bebo.

Det Sup Geoff Wessell, who is leading the investigation, said: "The appalling events of 14 May 2008 have not been forgotten by GMP or the people of Manchester.

"The operation to bring those responsible to justice has been large and complex, but we have to remember that we were dealing with wanton violence on a large scale.

"Trouble of that magnitude takes time to investigate properly and it cannot be allowed to go unpunished."

He added: "We want these arrests to send out a clear message - if you bring violence to the streets of Manchester, GMP will stop at nothing to bring you to justice."

(JM/BMcC)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

18 September 2015
GMP Report On FGM Operations At Manchester Airport
Several hundred families were spoken to and more than one hundred flights were monitored as part of a week-long campaign to raise awareness about female genital mutilation (FGM).
30 March 2005
Rooney assault claims dropped
The man who accused footballer Wayne Rooney of assault has dropped his claim, it has been reported. Patrick Hanrahan, a 22-year-old student from Eaglescliffe, Middlesborough, accused the England and Manchester United striker of attacking him in the Tiger Tiger nightclub in Manchester.
24 October 2013
Savile Chauffeur Arrested On Further Abuse Allegations
Fresh allegations of historical sex abuse have been made against the former flatmate and chauffeur of Jimmy Savile, Ray Teret. On Wednesday, 71-year-old Teret was arrested by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) when he answered bail in relation to a separate set of allegations.
14 March 2008
Police Chief's Body Released For Burial
The body of Greater Manchester Police Chief Michael Todd has been released to his family for burial. The 50-year-old married father-of-three was found dead at the foot of cliff near Bwlch Glas in Snowdon north Wales on Tuesday afternoon.
21 September 2009
Sporting Events Linked To Domestic Abuse
Police are urging victims of domestic abuse not to suffer in silence. New analysis shows that police often see an increase in incidents reported around the time of high-profile sporting events and when more alcohol is consumed.