POLICE are trawling through thousands of hours of CCTV footage in a bid to catch Rangers thugs who marred the Uefa Cup final in Manchester.
Hooligan spotters from forces across the country are taking part in the operation to identify fans who went on the rampage before and after the game at the City of Manchester stadium on May 14.
A total of 42 supporters were arrested when a `friendly invasion' by 200,000 Rangers fans turned ugly during their team's 2-0 defeat to Russian team Zenit St Petersburg.
The failure of a screen set up to show the match at Piccadilly Gardens triggered a drunken rampage.
Police launched baton charges against about 200 bottle-hurling yobs.
Fifteen officers were injured and dramatic CCTV footage showed one, Pc Mick Regan, being dragged to safety by ex-soldier Tom Bardsley after he was caught, punched and kicked by a mob.
Painstaking
Greater Manchester Police announced today that detectives have begun the painstaking task of sifting through CCTV footage to identify suspects.
It is understood some suspects have already been identified through DNA extracted from bloodstains.
Det Supt Geoff Wessell said: "This small minority of people showed a complete disregard for our police officers, fellow fans and the public of Manchester by engaging in acts of violence towards police officers and property.
"I know the genuine fans and the people of Glasgow will want these people caught and we will be doing everything we can to track them down.
"We have collected large volumes of CCTV footage and have started the long process of viewing and logging this, with a view to identify offenders.
"CCTV is only one of the many lines of inquiry we will be following in the coming months."
After the clashes, 63 Rangers fans made official complaints about the policing of the event while more than 100 members of the public called the M.E.N. to praise the police.
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Robert Atkinson (13/06/2008 at 11:42)
having siad that I would also like to think that some police officers who showed lack of disipline and training for this situation are also brought to account for their actions. I am a retired poice officer myself having served in the RUC with a lot of public order experience. Having spoken to a lot of fans who were baton charged for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I am aware that there was an element of fans intent in causing trouble but it has to be seen as yet if these were true fans or hangers on from various parts of the country. On the night I spoke to several young fans who had been hit by police batos as they stood aginst the walls of side streets try to get away from any trouble. They wer of the opinion that if you were a Rangers supporter you were fair game to be baton charged
wayneold, manc (13/06/2008 at 13:26)
Jimmy Krankie
Rab C nesbit
Mel Gibson
but most of all SUPER GRAN!
mornsy (13/06/2008 at 16:23)
The GMP should be congratulated, if as is being claimed, there were 'only' 200 people rioting, 43 is an excellent arrest rate.
This can only increase after watching the CCTV
Robert's little aside about waiting to be seen 'if these were true fans or hangers on from various parts of the country'
They were from different parts of Scotland, that much has been confirmed.There is still no evidence of the English (Chelsea, Leeds, Liverpool even Utd & City)contingent which seems to be mentioned regularly.
What hasn't been reported widely outside Scotland, is that a number of supporters were arrested at Ibrox, watching the game on a large screen (that did work).
Police shouldn't have to deal with these types of disturbances. Whilst the they need to respond appropriately, lets look at who caused it and take the necessary action.
Lets hope the CCTV can do this
Mr Manchester (14/06/2008 at 11:20)
Tip to GMP: check Youtube. It's a goldmine of evidence.
Tameside Blue, Tameside (16/06/2008 at 17:53)
Seems I was right.