Fans ambushed by rivals after Second City derby 75 police called in to control ‘serious disorder’ outside pub
BIRMINGHAM City and West Bromwich Albion football thugs lay in wait to ambush Aston Villa fans after the Second City derby – and were only thwarted by police, who were pelted with glasses and bottles as violence broke out, a hearing was told.
West Midlands Police had to draft in 75 officers and six police dogs to try to control the large group of mostly Blues fans who were drinking outside the White Tower pub after the match with Villa on October 30.
The force said at least 35 “risk supporters” – including known Albion troublemakers – were waiting at the venue because they knew it was on the route officers were using to escort the Villa fans back to Duddeston train station.
The White Tower had its licence suspended at an expedited review hearing on November 3 after councillors were told how officers were forced to use batons to move the fans away from the Nechells pub, which had twice told police it would be closed on matchday.
At a full licence hearing, city council licensing chiefs lifted the interim suspension but imposed eight conditions on the licence and ordered the replacement of both the premises licence holder and designated premises supervisor.
Husband-and-wife bosses Tom and Mary Moriarty had already told the hearing they would be retiring after the incident, and would be replaced by daughter Joan and a new designated supervisor independent of the family.
The hearing heard that police had never had any serious issues or concerns with the Lawley Middleway pub in 28 years of trading.
Councillors were shown CCTV footage of the disorder in private because of an ongoing criminal investigation.
Superintendent Andy Parsons said: “Police had visited the White Tower on Saturday night and were told the venue would not open on Sunday. Police spotters attended on the Sunday morning and were again told the venue would not be open.
“After the game a significant number of Birmingham City fans attended and police spotters identified a number of risk fans. The police escort of Aston Villa fans needed to pass this location in order to reach Duddeston railway station.
“The group escalated their behaviour and officers had to use force to clear the group. Bottles and glasses were thrown at police officers. This was a high level of violence aimed at police which I would class as serious disorder.
“It took in excess of 75 officers and numerous police dogs to safely restore order at the location and gain control of the group inside.”
Leo Charalambides, on behalf of the White Tower, said the pub was a victim of the rival groups.
He added: “The police have said there had been months and months of planning for this match and at no stage did they say they were concerned with the White Tower.
“It was approached the night before – that’s how concerned police were. If there had been serious concerns, the managers would have been approached much earlier.
“What has happened here is that there was a spike, or an event, that was out of the control of both the operator and the police.
“What is of concern is the discussion between the police and the operator. Our lines of communication could have been better. We just opened later because that is what we have always done on match days. We have now responded.”