Source: Daily_Mail
Carling Cup violence at St Andrew's probed by police after 17 arrests
Police were today combing through CCTV footage to identify troublemakers at last night's Carling Cup semi-final between Birmingham and West Ham.[LNB]A total of 17 people were arrested for a variety of offences during a 'robust and large-scale' operation at the second leg clash in Birmingham.[LNB]Birmingham beat West Ham 3-1 - 4-3 on aggregate - to reach the Carling Cup final, where their opponents will be Arsenal.[LNB] Trouble ahead: Police officers watch the crowd during the final seconds of the Carling Cup semi-final [LNB]Lifelong Birmingham fan Craig Gardner sent City through to their first major Wembley final for 55 years with an extra-time winner at St Andrew's.[LNB]Today West Midlands Police said its operation in and around the stadium involved dog handlers, the force's helicopter and specialist evidence-gathering teams.[LNB] Second line of defence: In total 17 arrests were made[LNB]After the final whistle, police continued to monitor the city centre, transport hubs and bars for several hours.[LNB]Eyewitnesses said some fans were seen standing on top of vehicles before the match as supporters tried to confront each other in a car park at St Andrew's.[LNB] Preparing for the worst: The police wore riot protection gear[LNB]Today, investigations into outbreaks of 'sporadic disorder' started as officers used CCTV to identify those responsible.[LNB]SuperintendentSteve Graham, who commanded the policing operation, said: 'The vastmajority of spectators enjoyed a really exciting match in the spirit offriendly rivalry.[LNB]'Unfortunately, a very small minority used the game as an excuse to cause trouble.[LNB] Pure delight: Birmingham City will now play Arsenal in the final at Wembley[LNB]'An investigation into outbreaks of sporadic disorder has now begun and we will be using CCTV footage to identify those responsible.'[LNB]He said as well as a criminal conviction, those found guilty of football-related violence face a lifetime ban imposed by the club and a football banning order.[LNB] Birmingham fan Gardner in dreamland after firing Blues to WembleyBirmingham 3 West Ham 1: Gardner sends Blues through to WembleySullivan and Gold to stay away from St Andrew's for fear of jinxing West HamAll the latest Birmingham news, features and opinionAll the latest West Ham news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Craig Gardner Places: Birmingham
