British Broadcasting Corporation

Page last updated at 11:08 GMT, Thursday, 15 May 2008 12:08 UK

Small number of fans 'a disgrace'

Mark Hay
Mark Hay's company sustained thousands of pounds of damage

A catering company owner who provided refreshments for fans attending the Uefa Cup final in Manchester said some fans were a disgrace.

Mark Hay said he was "angry" at what he believed was the lack of policing in the Piccadilly fans zone where he was providing food and drink.

He explained that when the big screen, erected for supporters to see the Rangers vs Zenit St Petersburg game, failed trouble was sparked.

"I was under threat," he said.

"My wife was under threat, my staff were under threat. We made a 999 call at 7.15pm last night and I've still not seen a policeman," added Mr Hay.

He claimed there had been a lack of policing, with no officers or security staff on duty after 1900 BST, leaving him and his staff to deal with approximately 21,000 people.

Mr Hay said his company alone had sustained roughly £10,000 worth of damage.

Rangers lost the final 2-0 to the Russian side at the City of Manchester stadium.

BBC reporter, Phil Goodlad, said the aftermath of Wednesday night's game had left the Piccadilly Gardens area smelling "putrid" and looking like an "absolute bomb-site." with broken bottles, glasses and cans.

Mr Hay said the behaviour of a small number of fans had been a "disgrace."




SEE ALSO
Uefa Cup fans clash with police
15 May 08 |  Manchester

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites


FEATURES, VIEWS, ANALYSIS
Few happy endings to China's abduction scourge
Death camp escape was one man's victory over Nazis
Will Iran face fresh sanctions after UN vote?

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Explore the BBC

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific