Rangers Fans Jailed For Manchester Riot

[ian1964 10,486]

Twelve rioting football hooligans who took part in what a judge said was the worst destruction Manchester had seen "since the Blitz" have been sentenced.

 

Hundreds of Rangers fans caused "mayhem" as the Uefa Cup Final was played in the city two years ago.

 

Two police officers were caught and attacked, Manchester Crown Court heard.

 

Nine men were jailed, two were sent to young offenders' institutions, and another man was given a suspended sentence and community service.

 

An estimated 125,000 Rangers fans descended on the city for the game against Zenit St Petersburg in May 2008.

Stamped on

 

Trouble erupted in a fan zone after a giant screen in the city centre failed.

 

Judge Blake said: "The riot police were deployed in full riot gear and struggled to contain the trouble and restore order.

Scott McSeveney (L) and Mark Stoddart ® Scott McSeveney (L) and Mark Stoddart ® both attacked police officers

 

"What followed was the worst night of violence and destruction suffered by Manchester city centre since the Blitz.

 

"What came afterwards, the damage, the filth and litter was apparent to all who arrived in Manchester the following day.

 

He said "many more" than the 12 defendants were involved.

 

The two officers who were assaulted were Pc Mick Regan and Pc John Goodwin.

 

Pc Goodwin was separated from his detachment, outnumbered by dozens of fans and stamped and kicked on.

 

He said later he thought he was going to die at the hands of the mob.

'Letting team down'

 

He was only saved after a Rangers fan, Sharon Gibson, lay across him and her boyfriend shouted: "You are letting the team down!"

 

She was awarded �£200 by Judge Blake, who thanked her and paid tribute to her "enormous courage".

 

Scott McSeveney, 22, of Shotts, Lanarkshire, was jailed for three-and-a-half years for violent disorder and the assault on Pc John Goodwin and given an eight-year football banning order.

 

Mark Stoddart, 27, of Westmuir Street, Glasgow, was jailed for two-and-a-half years for violent disorder and assaulting Pc Regan.

 

He was also given an eight-year football banning order.

Police praised

 

Seven others were jailed for violent disorder. They were:

 

* John Saunders, 32, from Fullarton Road, Cumbernauld, Glasgow, who was jailed for 15 months

* Gordon Forrest, 36, from Ledi Drive, Bearsden, Glasgow, who was jailed for 14 months

* Thomas Murphy, 28, of Flatterton Road, Greenock, Renfrewshire, who was jailed for 14 months

* Greg McKenna, 23, of Falkland Drive, East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, who was jailed for 18 months

* David McCullough, 21, of Moorcroft Drive, Manchester, was jailed for six months

* Michael Hindle, 22, from Westmorland Close, Leyland, Lancashire, was jailed for eight months

* James Bell, 43, of Corrie View, Cumbernauld, Glasgow, who was sent to prison for 12 months

 

All seven were given six-year banning orders.

 

Two others - Brian McVicar, 20, of Falkland Drive, East Kilbride, and William McSporran, 18, of Craighouse Street, Glasgow - were sent to a young offenders' institution for 21 and 12 months respectively. They were also given six-year banning orders.

 

David Annette, 35, of Yarrow Road, Chorley, Lancashire, was given a six-month sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to do 180 hours' community service. He must also pay �£500 costs.

 

Judge Blake praised police for their investigation and thanked them on behalf of the citizens of Manchester.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-11183103

Edited September 3, 2010 by ian1964

[Guest Buzz]

Jesus christ.

 

Eighteen months?

[pete 2,499]

Jesus christ.

 

Eighteen months?

 

If they were rioting, as is said, then I have no problem with their sentence. In fact for blackening the name of RFC I find the sentence light.

[andy steel 0]

Maybe now, although I doubt it, some of our fans will get their heads out of the sand abou this 'Great British' institution called The Rangers.

 

They will piss on you every chance they get. You aren't welcome, unless you are greasing the wheels of commerce, of course.

 

Total fuckn bullshit.

[Guest Buzz]

If they were rioting, as is said, then I have no problem with their sentence. In fact for blackening the name of RFC I find the sentence light.

 

But how many were rioting and how many were protecting themselves and others against police brutality?

 

A question I guess we'll never know the answer to unfortunately.

[maineflyer 0]

But how many were rioting and how many were protecting themselves and others against police brutality?

 

A question I guess we'll never know the answer to unfortunately.

 

I've no doubt there was a large element of revenge in the actions of many and, however alcohol-fueled that sentiment may have been, there was no shortage of justification. The GMP arrived on the streets that evening prepared for and determined to see violence inflicted upon Rangers supporters. That they got a small dose in return causes me no displeasure whatsoever.

[Guest Buzz]

I've no doubt there was a large element of revenge in the actions of many and, however alcohol-fueled that sentiment may have been, there was no shortage of justification. The GMP arrived on the streets that evening prepared for and determined to see violence inflicted upon Rangers supporters. That they got a small dose in return causes me no displeasure whatsoever.

 

I'm inclined to agree.

 

The police get away with far too much in this country.

[Yieldshields loyal 0]

I wouldn't mind finding out if these guys hold season tickets

[Whosthedado 1,540]

I wouldn't mind finding out if these guys hold season tickets

 

I doubt it, but if they do they would surely be banned from Ibrox now?

[calscot 0]

Half of them were from English addresses. I still find it strange that with the city awash with blue there were so few rioters wearing blue tops.