SHEFFIELD Nov 2002 Hooligans in police clash THREE hundred hooligans attacked police and tried to turn the city centre into a battlefield during the latest escalation of football violence to rock Sheffield. Police with riot shields had to use "stern methods" to break up gangs of rival hooligans as they came under attack from a barrage of bottles and missiles. A senior officer branded the fans a disgrace to their clubs. Police prevented a large-scale pitched battle, but outbreaks of violence continued until the early hours of Sunday morning.

Trouble broke out despite police sending home Derby fans who had travelled with no intention of attending the Owls match, and Barnsley supporters who remained drinking in Sheffield rather than going to their team's game at Chesterfield. Sheffield United fans joined in clashes on their return from Nottingham. The main trouble happened between 6 and 8pm on Saturday in the Campo Lane area The police helicopter monitored the movements of hooligans. Supt Martin Hemmingway, who oversaw the operation, said: "There were confrontations across the city centre, and officers had to use riot shields to protect themselves. It is very damaging for the reputation of Sheffield." Senior officers are planning to have large numbers of police available for the potentially explosive cup clash between Sheffield United and Leeds United at Bramall Lane on Wednesday evening. Police made eight preventative arrests as they kept rival factions apart, and five were arrested at an incident in the Casbah club, where one person was seriously hurt in an assault. Officers also assisted doormen at the Brighton Beach event at Sheffield City Hall, to ensure those involved in stirring up trouble were unable to get inside. 05 November 2002