2008 UEFA Cup Final Riots - Early Scuffles

Early Scuffles

One early incident occurred when fighting between rival fans broke out in a public house, resulting in its closure. The evening before the match, Rangers fans had set off fire alarms in the city, a criminal offence. An official report found that missile-throwing and fighting by Rangers fans occurred as long as eight hours before the match began. Around late afternoon the Piccadilly fans zone's gates were forced. Large numbers of fans were jumping upon the roofs of sales units and urinating. The sales units were "overrun" and frightened staff had to flee. Police were called but were powerless in the face of large numbers of supporters.