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      Celtic-Rangers League Cup final chaos update as four charged in connection with Glasgow mayhem

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      FOUR men have been charged in connection with violent scenes which broke out ahead of the Old Firm League Cup clash in December.Violence erupted on Glasgow’s city centre ahead of the Rangers v Celtic game which saw the Hoops clinch the cup in a nail biting penalty shoot-out.Members of the Green Brigade march down Argyle Street on December 15, last yearPyros were let off during the violent scenes between Rangers and Celtic fansHowever the excitement of the December 15 game was already marred by horror scenes in the city’s Argyle Street before the match when gangs of Rangers and Celtic yobs rampaged in the city.We told how Christmas shoppers were left terrified as masked ultras wearing Santa hats threw pyros and confronted cops in the city centre before the Celtic-Rangers Premier Sports Cup Final at Hampden. One officer was allegedly struck in the eye by a glass bottle while a 26-year-old fan was said to have been badly hurt as Green Brigade and Union Bears thugs faced-off.Revellers dodged a lit flare hurled inside Celtic fan favourite pub Gallagher’s, while horrified women and kids watched as thugs in balaclavas charged their rivals.Police had been hunting 19 people involved in the violence and today confirmed four men, aged 23, 26, 27 and 28, were arrested from the Glasgow and South Lanarkshire areas.All four suspects are all being held in Police custody and are due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday, 10 February.Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.A Police Scotland spokesperson stated: “This is an ongoing operation and enquiries are ongoing to identify and trace those involved in the disorder. Most read in Football”I urge anyone who has any information that could assist our investigation to please attend at a local police station or contact us via 101.”The arrests come as Celtic managed to avoid a predicted away fan ban for the Champion’s League play-off round tie against Bayern Munich.The Hoops have a suspended one-match ban hanging over them over the use of pyrotechnics, which was assumed would be initiated after a fan threw a green smoke bomb onto the pitch during the defeat to Aston Villa.However in a shock move Uefa opted for just a 10,000 Euro fine, meaning that Celtic fans will be allowed to attend the huge clash against the German giants at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.However the club reminded fans that the suspended one-match ban remains in place and any future pyrotechnics events would leave an “extremely high risk” of it being triggered down the line.The Club added: “Again we must make it very clear that pyrotechnics have absolutely no place at our matches and should further incidents occur, then clearly, once again, there is an extremely high risk of our supporters not being permitted access to future matches.” More

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      Man quizzed under caution for ‘head-butting security guard at former Man Utd star Nicky Butt’s 50th birthday party’

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      A MAN has been quizzed under caution for allegedly head-butting a security guard at a 50th birthday party for former Manchester United star Nicky Butt.The Sun told last week of the alleged assault at swanky private members’ club Soho Farmhouse.Nicky Butt’s birthday party was held at celeb haunt Soho Farmhouse, OxfordshireCredit: soho farmhouseGuests at the party included David and Victoria BeckhamCredit: GettyThe suspect was questioned by police in the presence of a solicitor at an undisclosed location. Police are still continuing to probe the January 24 incident at Great Tew, Oxon.Trouble erupted between 7pm and 8pm following a lunch held for ex-England star Butt and attended by his Man Utd Class of 92 team-mates David Beckham, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and their Wags.Around 30 guests were at the lunch to celebrate Butt’s birthday three days earlier.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA man at the party is said to have caused offence by urinating against a courtyard wall. When the guard told him to stop he was then attacked, it is claimed.A source said: “The guard went to have a word with the guy causing offence and was then head-butted in the face.“There was blood everywhere and people were shocked as the guard came inside with his face in a total mess.”Most read in FootballThe former Man Utd players and their partners left soon after the alleged assault. Beckham and wife Victoria returned to their £12million estate nearby while Butt, Neville and Scholes headed north with their partners.Man Utd star Nicky Butt’s 50th party at centre of police probe after ‘head-butt’ left security guard with ‘broken nose’Police were notified at 9pm and attended.A statement was taken from the guard, who went to hospital with a suspected broken nose.Thames Valley Police confirmed: “A man was questioned under caution on January 30 and inquiries continue.”The suspect was not arrested but was formally warned anything he said could be used as evidence in a court of law.A decision will now be made on whether to charge him.Former Manchester United star Nicky Butt was celebrating his birthdayCredit: PAMany of Butt’s class of ’92 teammates were in attendanceCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I made a mistake’ – Man Utd flop Memphis Depay’s grovelling apology after suspended prison sentence for drink-driving

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      MEMPHIS Depay has issued a grovelling apology after landing a prison term for drink-driving.Monaco police stopped the former Manchester United striker at the wheel of his Rolls Royce last August.Memphis Depay has publicly apologised after landing a suspended prison term for drink-drivingCredit: ReutersMan Utd paid PSV Eindhoven £25million for Depay in 2015Credit: GettyAnd a court in the French Riviera city handed him a four-month suspended jail term and £7,500 fine earlier this week after hearing he was over the alcohol limit.The former Prem star – who earns around £170,000-a-week with Brazilian club Corinthians – has also been banned from driving in Monaco for two years.Dutch international Depay was not in court to hear the verdict.But the 30-year-old wrote on social media: “I would like to come on here and apologise.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Last summer during my holidays in Monaco I made a mistake, and decided to drive home after having some drinks in a restaurant.”I should’ve got into a taxi instead, but I didn’t.”So I would like to apologise, and wanna take full responsibility for my action.”2024 was a year of lessons, and I will definitely learn from this one.  2025 we will do better.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDepay, who also apologised at the time of his arrest, now has two weeks to appeal the decision.United – then led by Louis van Gaal – paid PSV Eindhoven £25million for Depay in 2015, but he managed just seven goals in 53 games.Rooney reveals he gave Depay a ‘talking to’ after Dutch star turned up to Man Utd game in a Rolls Royce and cowboy hatThe striker rebuilt his career with Lyon, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid before joining Corinthians last year.Despite his well-travelled playing career, Depay has been a reliable asset for the Netherlands national team, scoring 46 goals in 98 caps.Depay joined Brazilian outfit Corinthians last yearCredit: ReutersUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Chelsea star tells court ‘I feared for my life’ before she branded cop ‘f****** stupid & white’ after drunken taxi row

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      CHELSEA star Sam Kerr today told a court “I feared for life” in a drunken taxi row before she branded a cop “f***ing stupid and white”.The 31-year-old was out with her partner – fellow footballer Kristie Mewis – when one was sick in the cab and the other smashed a window, it was said.Sam Kerr is giving evidence todayCredit: Gettyhurled racial abuse at a police officerCredit: Central NewsShe was out with her fiance – fellow footballer Kristie Mewis – at the timeCredit: Central NewsAfter allegedly refusing to pay a clean-up fee, the taxi driver drove the pair to Twickenham Police Station.Once there, Kerr, who is currently sidelined from Chelsea with an ACL injury, became “abusive and insulting” towards Pc Stephen Lovell, jurors heard.Giving evidence today, the Aussie international said she had put her head out of the window when she began to feel sick before the driver “rolled it up” and began to “drive dangerously”.Kerr told Kingston Crown Court: “He accelerated and began to swerve in and out of lanes… We were getting thrown around.Read more news”I couldn’t hear what he was saying. He was speeding up and stopping.”Neither of us had our belts on so we stood up and tried to talk to him… it felt like he was going wherever he thought… I was terrified.”Kerr said the dangerous driving continued for 15 to 20 minutes – causing her to feel “terrified for my life”.She said there was “no reasoning” with the driver even after partner Kristie begged him to stop.Most read in FootballKerr added: “Everything was going through my mind about being in a car with a stranger I deemed to be dangerous.”Kristie was very distressed. She was crying and scared. I’ve never seen her like that before and it made me more scared.”I started to realise how serious the situation was. It put me in protective mode… he had the power over us.”We were not in control… I deemed him to be dangerous because of the driving but also because he could have taken us anywhere. He couldn’t be tracked so no one knew where we were.”Kerr said the pair tried to open the doors and windows multiple times but they remained locked.Eventually, Kristie “kicked out (the window) with her boot” which resulted in Kerr feeling “relieved”.Footage played to jurors previously showed Kerr in the police station saying: “Honestly, you guys are f***ing stupid and white”.She also reference Sarah Everard’s murder – telling the officer: “Look at what happened last year when a girl accepted a police officer’s help in Clapham and got raped and killed.”At one point in the bodycam video, Kerr branded the taxi driver a “f***ing liar” and calls him a “stupid c***”.Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones KC said the police officer was left “shocked, upset and humiliated” by the comments.He added: “He took offence to the comments that Ms Kerr made about his race because you may think that his being a white man really had nothing to do with anything.”Matildas captain Kerr has pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated harassment.The court heard she described the moment on January 30, 2023, as “heated” and said she was “just very angry at how I felt”.Mr Jones added: “Ms Kerr said that both herself and Ms Mewis were crying at the time.”Kerr’s lawyer Grace Forbes told jurors that no one disputes the words that were used but that they do not “make you guilty of a criminal offence”.She continued: “The words were a comment, however poorly expressed, about positions of power, about privilege, and how those things might colour perception.”Kerr has scored 99 goals in 128 matches since joining Chelsea in 2019.During her time there, the team has won four Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, two Women’s League Cups and the Women’s Community Shield.But the striker was crocked in January last year at the club’s warm weather training camp in Morocco.Kerr is her country’s all-time record goalscorer with 64 goals in 125 games for the Matildas.She has also been nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin – the top prize in women’s football – every year since its inception in 2018.Kerr is in a relationship with fellow footballer Kristie, with the couple getting engaged last year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey announced in November they are expecting a baby together.The trial continues.The Chelsea star is accused of abusing a police officerCredit: GettyShe is currently sidelined due to injuryKerr and Kristie are expecting a baby togetherCredit: Instagram / samanthakerr20 More

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      Kiss ruined happiest day of my life, Spain World Cup star Jenni Hermoso tells Luis Rubiales as sex assault trial begins

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      SPAIN’S World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso has told a court that former football chief Luis Rubiales’ forced kiss “stained one of the happiest days of my life.”Hermoso, 34, was the first witness to appear at a court in Madrid as Rubiales’ sexual assault trial began on Monday.Jenni Hermoso is seen testifying on day one of Luis Rubiales’ trial in Madrid, SpainCredit: ReutersThe moment where Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips after their World Cup winCredit: EnterpriseAxed Spanish FA boss Rubiales – seen in court today – could face up to two and a half years in prisonCredit: ReutersHermoso pictured arriving at the court of San Fernando de Henares on Monday morningCredit: AFPRubiales, 47, is accused of sexual assault and coercion over the kiss he planted on Hermoso at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in Sydney, where Spain defeated England.The former Spanish FA boss, who initially refused to resign and dismissed the controversy as a “witch hunt by fake feminism,” faces up to two and a half years in prison if convicted.Rubiales has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, insisting the kiss was a “peck between friends celebrating.”Taking the stand at Madrid’s Audiencia Nacional court, Hermoso described how Rubiales grabbed her head and kissed her without consent.Read more on Luis Rubiales”I didn’t hear or understand anything,” she told the court.”The next thing he did was to grab me by the ears and kiss me on the mouth.”I felt it was totally out of place and I then realised my boss was kissing me, and this shouldn’t happen in any social or work setting.”A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so.”Most read in FootballShe added: “As a woman I felt disrespected. It was a moment that stained one of the happiest days of my life.”Hermoso said the pressure campaign left her fearful for her safety, forcing her to leave Madrid.Luis Rubiales Desperate Move: Controversial Video Sent to FIFA to Prove Innocence“From the first moment I reached Spain I had cameras after me 24 hours, people following me, people taking photos while I was having breakfast with my family. I had to leave Madrid with my family,” she said.“I felt fear at times of being in the street. I received death threats and messages of all types and we had to leave Madrid because the situation was unbearable.”It was a change in my life and I still say my life changed from that minute.”‘A statement I hadn’t written’The court also heard that just hours after the kiss, Rubiales and his aides allegedly pressured Hermoso to declare it was consensual to contain the growing backlash.She was called off the team bus at Sydney’s stadium and shown a statement she was expected to sign.Hermoso recalled breaking down in tears as pressure mounted on her to publicly downplay the incident.The Spanish footballer told the court:  “I skim-read it and said and knew I hadn’t written a word of it.“It was a statement I had supposedly drafted myself and consented to being put out to fan the flames of the fuss that was being created by the kiss.Hermoso and her Spain teammates beat England at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in SydneyCredit: AFPJenni Hermoso said in a press conference that the kiss was unwantedCredit: APThe unwanted kiss has sparked outrage around the worldCredit: RexRubiales resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation in 2023 following criticism over the ‘Kissgate’ scandalCredit: Getty“The statement said Luis Rubiales and I were good friends and the kiss happened in the effusiveness of the moment. I said I didn’t agree to it going out.”On the flight back to Spain, Rubiales allegedly approached Hermoso personally, pleading with her to back him publicly.“He told me, ‘Please, my two daughters are in the back of the plane crying,’” she said, adding that she refused.Ex-national team coach Jorge Vilda — one of Rubiales’ co-defendants — then allegedly approached Hermoso’s brother, warning him that her football career could suffer if she did not comply.“I felt totally unprotected in what should have been a safe place for me,” Hermoso said. “No one asked me if I needed anything. The only thing Rubiales and his aides did was try to protect their reputation.”Spain’s #MeToo momentThe scandal overshadowed Spain’s first-ever Women’s World Cup triumph and became a tipping point for sexism in Spanish sport.The hashtag #SeAcabó (It’s Over) flooded social media, with Hermoso and 80 other players going on strike until federation leadership changed. FIFA suspended Rubiales, who eventually resigned in September 2023.The incident also sparked national soul-searching over sexual misconduct in Spain. The country had only recently toughened its sexual assault laws following the notorious ‘La Manada’ (Wolf Pack) gang rape case in 2016.Protests have erupted in Spain over the allegationsCredit: Rex“Rubiales out of play” has been displayed at many protestsCredit: Rex’A peck between friends’Rubiales continues to deny wrongdoing, insisting the kiss was a “peck between friends” and his downfall was driven by “fake feminism”.His daughters, two of whom were on the team’s flight home, will testify in his defense next Monday.Former coach Jorge Vilda, ex-federation sporting director Albert Luque, and marketing director Rubén Rivera also face coercion charges and potential 18-month sentences.The trial is set to run until February 19, with high-profile witnesses, including Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, expected to testify.Rubiales, if convicted, could receive a suspended sentence as first-time offenders in Spain rarely serve time for prison terms under two years. READ MORE SUN STORIESProsecutors are also seeking €100,000 (£83,000) in damages for Hermoso.A verdict is expected by the end of the month at the earliest.Rubiales has constantly denied any wrongdoingCredit: Talk TV More

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      Chelsea star ‘called cop “f***ing stupid & white” after row over taxi fare on drunken night out with partner’

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      CHELSEA star Sam Kerr called a cop “f***ing stupid and white” after a row over a taxi fare erupted on a night out, a court heard.The 31-year-old was out with her partner – fellow footballer Kristie Mewis – when one was sick in the cab and the other smashed a window, it was said.Samantha Kerr is due to stand trial todayCredit: ReutersThe Chelsea star is accused of abusing a police officerCredit: GettyKingston Crown Court heard the pair were taken to Twickenham Police Station by the driver after refusing to pay clean-up costs.Once there, Kerr, who is currently sidelined from Chelsea with an ACL injury, allegedly became “abusive and insulting” towards Pc Stephen Lovell.Footage played to jurors showed the footballer saying: “Honestly, you guys are f***ing stupid and white”.Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones KC said the police officer was left “shocked, upset and humiliated” by the comments.He added: “He took offence to the comments that Ms Kerr made about his race because you may think that his being a white man really had nothing to do with anything.”Australia international Kerr has pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated harassment.The court heard she described the moment on January 30, 2023, as “heated” and said she was “just very angry at how I felt”.Mr Jones added: “Ms Kerr said that both herself and Ms Mewis were crying at the time.”Most read in FootballKerr’s lawyer Grace Forbes told jurors that no one disputes the words that were used but that they do not “make you guilty of a criminal offence”.She continued: “The words were a comment, however poorly expressed, about positions of power, about privilege, and how those things might colour perception.”Kerr has scored 99 goals in 128 matches since joining Chelsea in 2019.During her time there, the team has won four Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, two Women’s League Cups and the Women’s Community Shield.But the striker was crocked in January last year at the club’s warm weather training camp in Morocco.Kerr is her country’s all-time record goalscorer with 64 goals in 125 games for the Matildas.She has also been nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin – the top prize in women’s football – every year since its inception in 2018.Kerr is in a relationship with fellow footballer Kristie, with the couple getting engaged last year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey announced in November they are expecting a baby together.The trial continues.Kerr has denied the offencesCredit: GettyThe Australia captain is currently sidelined due to injuryCredit: GettyKerr is engaged to fellow footballer Kristie MewisCredit: InstagramThe couple are expecting a baby togetherCredit: PA More

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      Kyle Walker’s football agent at centre of drugs raid after cops uncover over 90 cannabis plants DAYS after AC Milan deal

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      THE home of a top football agent who helped seal Kyle Walker’s move to AC Milan was last night at the centre of a drugs raid.Michael Rankine, 40, joined the former Manchester City skipper on his private jet last week as he flew out to sign for the Italian giants.Michael Rankine, above at at Kyle Walker’s unveiling in Milan, was at the centre of a drugs raidRankine also represents Chelsea and England ace Cole PalmerThe ex-footballer was even photographed with the England full-back as he was unveiled to the fans holding up his new number 32 shirt.But 48 hours after he returned to the UK, a police raid at his home was said to have uncovered more than 90 cannabis plants with a potential street value of £75,000.They also recovered equipment used to produce the Class B drug.A source said: “It was a huge shock to everyone after what should have been a ­triumphant return from Italy.”READ MORE IN SPORTSThey added: “Michael flew out with Kyle in his jet on Thursday. His uncle Mark, who is Kyle’s agent, was also on the flight.“They got the deal over the line and were jubilant. Michael posed with Kyle for pictures, returned to the UK over the weekend and then on Monday his home was raided by police.”Rankine, who played as a striker for Doncaster Rovers, Scunthorpe and Bournemouth during a 16-year career, is employed as a consultant for London firm CAA Base.It represents a host of Premier League footballers such as Tottenham’s Son Heung-min and James Maddison and manager Ange Postecoglu.Most read in FootballOn its website, CAA Base said Rankine joined the company in late 2018 after retiring from the game. It adds: “Based in Yorkshire, he helps recruit, manage and guide young professional footballers.” His ex-pro uncle, Mark, who played for Wolves and Sheffield United, also works for the company.Kyle Walker lands in Italy to complete AC Milan loan dealHe represents players including Chelsea and England ace Cole Palmer and New­castle and former Three Lions defender Kieran Trippier.Rankine is also a cousin of former Tottenham Hotspur and England star Danny Rose.South Yorkshire police ­confirmed in a statement that officers executed a warrant at an address in Doncaster.The raid happened on a busy residential street in full view of neighbouring families.Police added: “Following officers entering the property, we discovered a cannabis set-up.”The Sun contacted CAA for comment. Walker’s loan deal is tipped to lead to a full-time £4million summer move.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Rankine during his playing days for Scunthorpe in 2005Credit: Getty More

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      Watch as notorious Ferencvaros ultras disguise themselves as STEWARDS to launch brutal brawl on rival AZ Alkmaar fans

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      THIS is the shocking moment notorious Ferencvaros ultras disguise themselves as stewards and launch a surprise brawl against their European rivals.Ferencvaros, often dubbed Hungary’s most feared football fans, kicked off a huge melee with AZ Alkmaar supporters in their tense Europa League clash on Thursday. The fake security managed to get close enough to the AZ Alkmaar fans through teir high visibility jacketsCredit: X/@thecasualultraDrinks were thrown at the raging crowds from both sides of the standsCredit: X/@footbalIfightsThe hooligan security managed to mix in with the actual security teams to pull off the brazen planCredit: X/@thecasualultraRiot police ended up being called in to deal with the clashesCredit: X/@thecasualultraThe Hungarian champions narrowly won the game 4-3 despite a late AZ Alkmaar surge in extra time when they scored twice.But the action on the pitch was overshadowed by fighting up in the stands.Footage shows dozens of Ferencvaros ultras secretly dressed up in high visibility security jackets making their way down the stairs in Budapest’s Groupama Arena.Their sneaky plan saw them mix in with the actual security policing the away end to keep any trouble at bay between the two sets of supporters.read more in hooliganism The large group of men managed to get as close as possible to the AZ Alkmaar fans before punches were thrown – sparking chaos in the stands.Both sets of supporters then appear to start launching strikes at each other in the brutal brawl.Onlooking fans from either side of the railings quickly noticed the fighting with drinks soon flying in from several angles at the fiery crowd.The genuine security teams in place could be seen trying to break up the brawl as the melee continued on for some time.Most read in FootballRiot police equipped with protective visors and batons were soon forced to be drafted in as the fake security broke through into the stands.The Europa League game between Ferencvaros and AZ Alkmaar was always tipped to be a highly intense affair due to the history of both sides.Moment shocking brawl breaks out at Old Trafford as Rangers fans ‘infiltrate Man Utd end’ with club set to investigate Ferencvaros’ fans have long been considered one of the most violent teams in Central Europe over past altercations. Governing body UEFA have sanctioned the club on several occasions in the past.Hooligans linked to the club reportedly stabbed four Millwall fans in 2004 before a UEFA Cup match.Uefa also charged the club over crowd trouble and racist abuse directed towards Millwall players.Then in 2013, fans also fought with police after a friendly match against Leeds United.AZ Alkmaar away days are also known to English fans as a potentially volatile trip.In 2023, hooded AZ Alkmaar yobs smashed down barriers to storm their own main stand via two sets of stairs and attack West Ham supporters. Several West Ham players, including sporting director Mark Noble, rushed to help protect them from the thugs – who were dressed in black and wearing balaclavas.There were also clashes between West Ham and AZ fans ahead of kick-off, who again were masked as they caused mayhem on the streets of Alkmaar.A local news outlet described it being a “grim atmosphere” before and during the match.AZ’s hooliganism is said to stem from the club’s early days with a group known as the “Ben Side” supporters.The name refers to where the group sits in the Jan van der Ben stand, which was named after a predecessor club’s chairman.The group claims they “made their mark for the first time” during an away match at Feyenoord in 1977, according to an AZ supporter website.There they clashed with opposition fans, throwing beer bottles and cans at players.In another notorious meeting, the group clashed with Haarlem in June 1977.Riots ensued over the game, with many supporters brining knives, and cops later made several arrests.READ MORE SUN STORIESA 16-year-old was stabbed and around 28 people arrested during a particularly horrific altercation in March 1986 between AZ and PSV fans.The teenager, a PSV fan who was not identified, was rushed to hospital.AZ Alkmaar away days are also known to English fans as a potentially volatile trip after fights broke out in 2023 with West Ham supportersCredit: GettyThe AZ Alkmaar brawl saw masked and hoodied yobs attackCredit: Getty More