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Sunderland fans' clash with police may be investigated
INVESTIGATORS will study video evidence to uncover the truth behind the violent clash between police and Black Cats fans.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission is considering whether to launch a full investigation in to the incident at Newcastle Central Station, which saw three Sunderland AFC fans need hospital treatment.
>> Bloody video of Newcastle Central Station clash
CCTV footage from the station will be used, as well as statements from fans, witnesses and the police, to determine how far the inquiry should go.
No officers were injured during Saturday's fracas, but the force said four of its dogs were punched and stamped on.
Police blamed fans intent on causing trouble, while supporters say police used excessive force and mismanaged the situation.
The Football Supporters' Federation (FSF), which is collecting its own dossier about the incident, fears the issue has soured the relationship between fans and police.
Spokeswoman Amanda Jacks said: "What makes this incident even more upsetting is the fact that it has destroyed supporters' confidence in the police, reflected by numerous remarks left on websites."
The FSF has sent fans' statements to a solicitor for advice on the best course of action.
Northumbria Police said it received several items of intelligence that SAFC and Newcastle United fans had arranged a fight in the city centre on Saturday.
Sunderland supporters were returning from the Black Cats' friendly match against Hearts.
Police said information had come in the run up to the game in Scotland, in time to pre-plan an operation to escort Sunderland fans from the train to the Metro, to return to Wearside.
However, some supporters said there was an announcement at Hearts that a football special service had been arranged to take them straight back to Sunderland,.
Chief Superintendent Graham Smith, Newcastle Area Commander, said: "When the first train arrived, containing around 40 Sunderland fans described as risk supporters, they got off the train immediately and when met by police became confrontational and violent, targeting the police dogs, and subsequently our officers."
Police said their batons were only drawn in response to "unprovoked" attacks on dogs and handlers.
In contradiction, some fans have said batons were drawn, and the dogs unmuzzled, before they were allowed off the train.
Mrs Jacks, of the FSF, said: "Raising batons to the head is a very serious concern, we understand that police officers are trained only to do that if they feel their life is threatened."
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Weather for Sunderland
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 6 C
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