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Nov 20 2003




Wrexham Mail


Football fans from Wrexham have arrived home complaining of violence
and intimidation against them during Wales's Euro 2004 play-off with
Russia last weekend.

The worst scenes happened at the Rossiya Hotel in Moscow before
Saturday's 0-0 draw.

But other stories have since emerged of gangs stalking the Moscow
underground, looking for Welsh fans to attack.

Andy Yemm, from Wrexham, said: 'Me and a few others popped into Red
Square for a quick photo and a drink. There was a confrontation
between a Russian fan and a Russian policeman.'

Mr Yemm claims some of the Russian's friends then started hurling
abuse at them.

Chris Hansom, from Buckley, arrived at the Rossiya Hotel just after
hundreds of Russian thugs had launched attacks on Welsh fans,
kicking and punching them.

'I arrived there about 30 minutes afterwards - the roads were closed
off and the place was crawling with police,' he said.

'Many of the Welsh fans had run back into the hotel, but some had
been beaten outside while waiting for the buses to take them to the
ground.'

Uefa will also look at punishing the Russian FA after flares were
launched on to the pitch by fans.

Commenting on whether there should be action against the Russians,
Welsh FA secretary David Collins said: 'That will have to be handled
by Uefa.'

The incident comes just a month after some fans were locked up by
police in Milan after Wales's clash with Italy.

Travelling supporters from Wrexham were promised sanctuary by the
police, only to be locked up in cells for the night.

Uefa, the Welsh FA and local police are continuing their
investigations into the incident. The second leg of Wales's Euro
2004 play-off with Russia was played in Cardiff last night, after
the Mail had gone to press.