A violent mob of football fans have been captured rampaging through Cardiff city centre, attacking buses and clashing with police.
The disorder unfolded ahead of today’s Championship match between Cardiff City and Bristol City, with police confirming they were aware of ‘some incidents of disorder’ in the city centre.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing as many as 100 masked men smash the windows of buses, throw missiles, and intimidate passers-by.
In one harrowing clip, a group of Bristol City supporters is seen charging towards a Wetherspoon pub, launching objects at the building, while mounted police officers, along with their colleagues on foot, attempt to disperse the violent crowd.
Bus drivers were reportedly advised to stay clear of the city centre after some members of the group began attacking vehicles.
One witness said: ‘Football fans are hitting our bus as they go past, a masked one just booted the door of the bus that we are on. He’s cracked the glass.
‘Bus driver has some sort of radio telling all buses to avoid town centre.’
As the chaos continued, Cardiff residents were urged to stay away from the area, with some claiming the streets were ‘full of riots’.
A violent mob of football fans have been captured rampaging through Cardiff city centre, attacking buses and clashing with police
Eyewitnesses reported seeing as many as 100 masked men smash the windows of buses, throw missiles, and intimidate passers-by
The disorder unfolded ahead of today’s Championship match between Cardiff City and Bristol City, with police confirming they were aware of ‘some incidents of disorder’ in the city centre
Another eyewitness described the scene, saying: ‘I would say there were around 100 of them and police with truncheons were trying to guide them down Westgate Street. One of them hit the door and the glass smashed. We were quite shaken up.’
South Wales Police have confirmed that one arrest has been made for a public order offence, with the police spokesperson stating: ‘South Wales Police is aware of some incidents of disorder that have taken place in Cardiff city centre ahead of today’s Championship match between Cardiff City and Bristol City at Cardiff City Stadium.
‘Officers have been very busy in ensuring supporters get to the stadium as safely as possible.’
The disturbance began in the morning, ahead of the early kick-off fixture at Cardiff City Stadium.
Police had put in place an operation to ensure that both sets of supporters could leave the stadium safely following the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
The disturbance began in the morning, ahead of the early kick-off fixture at Cardiff City Stadium
A spokesperson for South Wales Police added: ‘A derby fixture such as this always comes with a highly charged atmosphere. Unfortunately, there will always be a minority that will seek to engage in disorder, but officers responded quickly to stop any such incidents.
A policing operation was put in place to ensure both sets of supporters left the stadium safely following the match.’
Despite the unrest, the leader of Cardiff Council, Huw Thomas, took to social media to reassure residents, stating: ‘Whilst it’s disappointing to see the behaviour of a handful of idiots, there are no ongoing issues in Cardiff city centre, and no reason to stay away.
‘I’m told the incidents occurred around 10.30am – grateful to South Wales Police for dealing with it swiftly.’
Previous matches between the two local rivals have also seen clashes, though this latest episode has raised fresh concerns about safety in the city.
