Football fans cause mayhem in city
FOOTBALL fans took over a city centre street throwing toilet paper, drinks and chanting.
Residents watched as hundreds of fans descended on Upper Dock Street, Newport, yesterday afternoon as the city prepared to host Newport County v Swindon Town at Rodney Parade.
A video of the mayhem showed fans throwing toilet rolls, drinks containers and rubbish across the street outside the Windsor Castle pub.
Fans could be heard chanting “we do what we want” and “Newport’s a s***hole, I want to go home”.
After the crowds dispersed, Upper Dock Street was left strewn with litter.
Jewellery shop owner Annette Farmer witnessed the mayhem as it unfolded at about 2pm yesterday.
Annette, 50, said there was a considerable police presence in the area that reassured her the situation wouldn’t turn violent.
“It was absolutely mad,” Annette said.
“They were going into a local shop, buying toilet rolls and throwing them around.
“I think a few people will keep away from Newport now this afternoon.”
Annette caught the behaviour on video and also saw some police officers filming the incident.
Swindon Town were looking to consolidate their top spot in League Two, but Newport defeated their visitors 2-0.
Annette said fans moved on from the area ahead of the 3pm kick-off, leaving a pile of rubbish.
“It’s the devastation that’s left behind,” she said.
“They have gone to the ground now and left the rubbish.”
A spokesman for Gwent Police said the force had a well-planned policing operation for the game.
He said they had not received reports of any serious issues.