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A Manchester police officer today told of how he was kicked and punched by marauding Glasgow Rangers fans as they unleashed “unbelievable” violence following the team’s defeat in the Uefa Cup Final.
Pc Mick Regan said that the street riots were started by a hardcore minority of “a few thousand” troublemakers among the 100,000 fans who watched Rangers’ 2-0 defeat to Zenit St Petersburg in Manchester on Wednesday.
The violence, which Pc Regan described as “frightening”, broke out when a big screen due to broadcast the game to 20,000 fans in the city centre failed before kick-off.
“From the outset we were bombarded with bottles and cans as we tried to contain and disperse the crowd,” he said.
“It was unbelievable when we got there, it was already in motion. It was frightening, on a different scale from any other match I have worked in my 23-year career.
“It seemed the vast majority were drunk and they just wanted to cause trouble.
“A lot of the fans were OK and just asking for directions but there was a large hard core.”
In CCTV footage, Pc Regan and six other officers are seen retreating down a city centre street at about 10.15pm as fans bombarded them with cans, bottles and rubbish.
After confronting the pack, Pc Regan is punched before one of the mob trips him up and he falls to the ground.
A gang of about 20 fans then descend on the 47-year-old, repeatedly kicking and stamping on him before he escapes.
He said: “We made a tactical withdraw and they overran us. The crowd was extremely hostile and made up of men and women of all ages.
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Alot of the people there were not rangers fans and were casuals from all over the UK, Its a Shame this has been reflected only on Rangers!
Ally, Glasgow,
Looked like he was inviting them to attack him - why didn't he run away with the rest of his colleagues?
Alan, Edinburgh,
about what you expect from scottish football supporters.
at least they lost
mark, london,
Interesting how the police were totally overwhelmed in a situation where there was a clear threat of violence and possibly death and yet if where there is a lawful demonstration against the Iraq, arms trade, airport expansion or a G8 summit, the police are there full equipped and in huge numbers.
Ben, London, United Kingdom
Rangers fans should be banned from obtaining tickets for all away matches in next season's European Championships.
Will Wesley, Wigan, UK
These 'fans' should be publicly flogged - this kind of behaviour has no place in society let alone sport.
Michael, Dartford, UK
The Rangers fans and their families should be appalled by their actions. Attacking people whom one day they will be asking help from.
There is obviously a problem in society when so many people attack the police, trying to keep our streets safe, for no other reason than they felt like it!
Amy, Manchester, u.k.
I am by no means justifying the Rangers actions s there is no excuse but Manchester City council have to take some responsibility for this.
If you put so many people in one place, knowing they are drinking, then you have to expect consequences!
A clean up wasn't even organised over night.
Amy, Manchester, u.k.
Surely the revenue which the match bought to Manchester and lets be fair the most likely the reason screens were erected, must be counteracted by the cost of police, ambulance, clean up, insurance for the cost of things broken.
Manchester City council has a lot to answer for!
Amy, Manchester, u.k.
It's such a pitty that events like this mar what should be an excellent event for all. Still, thank God someone had the bravery to stand up to those men; however that Army Medic is, well done!
James, St Andrews, UK
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