Crowd trouble overshadows Swans win

Sep 24 2008

Crowd trouble marred Swansea's victory over fierce rivals Cardiff in the Carling Cup third round on Tuesday night.

Despite a heavy police presence at the Liberty Stadium, fears that problems might flare up in a highly-charged atmosphere were realised after the game.

Cardiff fans who were kept behind after the final whistle and a group of Swansea supporters who chose to stay back of the their own accord, despite being well segregated from each other, clashed with police.

Officers were filmed using batons to try to quell the trouble and keep fans apart.

There were also reports of a scuffle involving players and security staff after a supporter was escorted out of the ground via the tunnel.

It had been the sides' first meeting in almost 10 years and problems were anticipated with South Wales Police deploying a strong security force.

Swansea deservedly won a fiercely-contested match with a deflected free-kick from Jordi Gomez after 57 minutes.

Cardiff midfield general Stephen McPhail was sent off in the 74th minute following a series of rash challenges, and the Bluebirds had four other players yellow-carded as the game threatened to boil over.

"It was very disappointing, as we let ourselves and our fans down," said Cardiff manager Dave Jones.

"It was our worst performance of the season, and I have no complaints about losing."