Fan trouble could bottle-up Cardiff

BILL BARCLAY

LONDON, JANUARY 7: Cardiff City could be forced to play future home FA Cup ties away from their Ninian Park ground following the ugly crowd scenes which marred their shock 2-1 victory over Premier League club Leeds United on Sunday.

The Welsh and English football Associations are awaiting reports from officials before deciding whether to impose sanctions after objects were thrown and riot police with dogs had to help to quell a post-match pitch invasion by fans.

English Football Association (FA) spokesman Paul Newman said that any sanctions concerning security matters were down to the Football Association of Wales (FAW) because the game was played in Wales.

But he added: "We could take action relating to the competition if we wanted to, for instance deciding that Cardiff’s next home game should be played away in the FA Cup," Newman said.

"We’re still assessing what went on."

Newman said that, contrary to several English media reports on Monday, the FA did not have the power to close Ninian Park.

The FA expects to receive reports from referee Andy D’Urso, who was hit on the head by a missile during the match, the police and their own stadium security adviser before deciding whether any action is appropriate. David Collins, the secretary general of the FAW, said that they too would be considering reports from the referee, police and stadium officials. "The referees’ report normally comes in about midweek," he said. "Having considered all the reports we’ll then decide on what action to take."

Leeds United manager David O’Leary called on the FA to act after coins and bottles were thrown from the 22,000 crowd during the game and afterwards, when around 1,000 Cardiff fans went on to the pitch, many running over to taunt the segregated Leeds supporters. (Reuters)