Policing Soccer Violence Cost Over £100K

It has emerged today that the policing operation to cover just one international soccer match that turned ugly cost £105,000.

The BBC sought details of the policing operation for the Northern Ireland vs Poland international and the ensuing rioting.

On foot of trouble before, during and after the match in March this year, the cost of policing the event itself was £71,031. The cost incurred by the rioting was nearly half as much again, at £34,184.

The violence also left 11 police officers injured as well as numerous fans from both sides being hurt, though none seriously.

"Given the nature and extent of the disorder, which appeared to be orchestrated by a hard core of hardened football hooligans travelling to the game from outside Northern Ireland, the police operation aimed at protecting lives and property in the area was proportionate and appropriate," police told the BBC today.

The costs breakdown was in response to a Freedom of Information request from the BBC.

Trouble started in the city centre when rival fans gathered in the same pub on Bedford Street, while during the game, play was suspended for a time after a linesman was hit on the head with an object thrown from the crowd.

Afterwards, the Polish fans were kept inside the ground for nearly an hour to try and calm the situation.

Three Polish men later pleaded guilty to charges of disorderly behaviour following the violence.

All three were given suspended sentences and a fourth man was charged with disorderly behaviour and also having a firework without a licence.

Speaking at the time, PSNI Superintendent Chris Noble said: "We believe there was a hard core of Polish nationals who came to the game without tickets but with a very clear intent to cause trouble and disruption to genuine supporters and local residents."

See: Poles Plead Guilty To Disorderly Charges

(BMcC)