Cardiff oppose fan ban

Cardiff fans might be banned from Stoke's ground

Cardiff City have rubbished claims that Stoke City fans will banned from visiting Ninian Park if the clubs meet each other in the Division Two play-off semi-final.

Club chief executive David Temme also quashed a rumour that the play-off final would be moved from the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff to Villa Park if the Bluebirds make it through.

He said: "As far as we're concerned, there is no reason whatsoever for fans ever to be banned from Ninian Park.

"Everyone is welcome to come down to Ninian Park. We'll make the arrangements for teams to do so."

The draw for the semi-final will not be known until after the last round of league matches on Saturday.

But according to a newspaper report, Stoke are already considering banning Cardiff supporters from watching the match at their Britannia Stadium.

Banning away fans is a dangerous road to go down. I can't see it being supported by the Football League

cardiff's David Temme

Club officials fear a repeat of the violence which flared up at the ground between the two sets of supporters two years ago.

Some 30 fans and 12 police officers were injured on that day, and 33 fans were later banned from attending football matches.

The match would also be given added spice by the presence of former Stoke favourites Graham Kavanagh and Peter Thorne playing for Cardiff.

"We realise it would be unpopular amongst many supporters if away fans are banned," Stoke chief executive Jonathan Fuller told The Sentinel.

"But equally there are those who believe it is the best way to avoid problems,"

But Temme stressed that Cardiff would fervently oppose any such move.

"If a club is not able to receive supporters from a visiting club, then you've got to question whether or not they should be in the league at all," Temme told BBC Wales Sport.

"The whole purpose is to play the game in front of supporters.

Travel arrangements

"Banning away fans is a dangerous road to go down. I can't see it being supported by the Football League."

The Football League later confirmed that Stoke needed a police recommendation, which was not forthcoming, before being able to ban away fans.

Stoke-on-Trent crime reduction superintendent Steve Loxley said the option of banning away supporters was discussed and then discounted. He said the numbers of supporters and their travel arrangements were still being considered.

A league spokesman also confirmed that the final will definitely be played at the Millennium Stadium even if Cardiff make it that far.

Cardiff and Stoke currently lie third and fourth in Division Two.

The sides would meet in the play-offs - with the first leg played on April 28 - if their league positions remain the same after Saturday's matches.