Fans' leaders have given a cool
response to the possibility of Stoke supporters being banned from travelling to Cardiff if
the two clubs draw each other in the play-offs. A two-legged fixture between the two clubs
would pose massive security implications and risk a repeat of the violence marring their
meeting at the Britannia two years ago.
John Lawson, chairman of the official supporters club, said he would personally back the
club's decision, even though he was opposed in principle to a ban.
He said: "I would never actually advocate a ban on away supporters, because they are
the lifeblood of football, but when you witness what we did here a couple of years ago you
are left wondering if it is all worthwhile.
"I think supporters would go along with the decision to ban if it comes to it, but
clearly a percentage of genuine fans will be very disappointed because their record of
supporting their club wherever and whenever would go down the drain."
Rob Peppit, chairman of the Fans Forum, described a ban as being a sad, but understandable
decision, but insisted: "If it happens it must be a one-off and not set a
precedent."
He added: "I can understand the concerns of the authorities, but it will be sad if
they go down this road and I don't think a ban would stop a number of Cardiff
troublemakers coming here or Stoke troublemakers going there. It would only stop the
genuine fan from travelling. There must be other alternatives for dealing with this cancer
in football and possibilities include changing kick-off times and limiting and closely
monitoring ticket allocations."
Stoke City and Cardiff fans could be
banned from each other's grounds if the teams are drawn in the play-off semi-finals.
Club officials and police fear a repeat of the violence marring Cardiff's visit to the
Britannia Stadium two years ago.
They say banning away fans from travelling to both legs is an extreme but feasible
solution.
The two clubs held a first round of talks yesterday along with the Football League and the
Staffordshire and South Wales police forces.
Cardiff now possess the country's worst reputation for trouble and Stoke, despite
strenuous efforts to clean up their image, are still dogged periodically by a minority of
hooligans.
Stoke's chief executive Jonathan Fuller acknowledged it was a highly sensitive issue on
which the club remained open-minded for the moment. He said: "We are gathering facts
and opinions before coming to a decision. We will have further talks today and there are a
lot of views to consider. We realise it would be unpopular amongst many supporters if away
fans are banned, but equally there are those who believe it is the best way to avoid
problems."
Any ban would be a first for Stoke supporters. Lost ticket revenue from banning away fans
would be made up by the saving in police costs and a greater attendance of home
supporters.
Cardiff and Stoke currently lie fourth and fifth respectively in the Second Division and
will find out after Saturday's final round of League matches if they have drawn each other
in the play-off semi finals. The first leg takes place on April 28 and the second on May
1.
The tie has added spice by the presence of Cardiff's former Stoke pairing of Graham
Kavanagh and Peter Thorne.
