Blades Ram Raid

By Paul Holland
August 11 2002

Derby City Centre was the scene of violent clashes last night (Sat 10th Aug), as Fans from Sheffield United and Derby clashed.

You may think it strange that there was trouble with Sheffield United fans as Derby County had been playing and beating Reading in the opening game of the first division season.

The Blades fans however had stopped off in Derby after their 2-1 away defeat by Coventry City.

Reports suggest that 300 hooligans where involved in the clashes around 150 from Sheffield. Windows where smashed as the running battles reached St Peters Street and the Spot areas of the City.

The fighting continued into the Market Place in Derby. Police dogs and their handlers where then brought in to restore order.

Sheffield United fans where eventually loaded back onto their coaches and given a Police escort out of Derbyshire. Three Sheffield United fans where arrested during the exchanges and Police are now studying CCTV footage of the disturbances.

Questions must be asked of the coach operators of Sheffield United who have stopped in the City when only an hours drive from Sheffield and after only being on the road from Coventry for an hour and a half.