Leicester fans took to smash up the windows of Nottingham bar ‘Fatcats’ prior to the two side’s FA Cup tie on Sunday afternoon.
The City Ground is gearing up to host its second East Midlands derby in quick succession – just 15 days on from the Reds’ match against rivals Derby County.
Police said that they would be on hand to ensure everyone attending this afternoon’s FA Cup clash between Nottingham Forest and Leicester City enjoys the match safely.
However it would seem trouble flared up just hours before the game took police, with hooligans of Leicester spotted throwing chairs, and smashing windows of a cafe/bar in the opposition’s city.
A video was captured from inside the building as customers enjoyed their pre-match pint or grub before entering the stadium.
Leicester fans big day out
Fat cats #nffc pic.twitter.com/yWJq1YSVBL— Ian (@speedyred711) February 6, 2022
Scruffy bin dipping cunts get your own rivalry 😤 #nffc #lcfc pic.twitter.com/oDHaPxA9yB
— Negus (@Negus___) February 6, 2022
Police have been contacted in an attempt to try and catch the culprits, however most of the adults’ faces were covered up, making it tougher.
This is what Twitter users had to say as Leicester fans smash up the Nottingham bar windows prior to the FA Cup tie…
@thech1ef: @LCFC your fans doing you proud today .
@VimFuego87: Acting like a bunch of cnuts. And on your big day out too. These are your so called fans @LCFC either keep them on a lead or take their season cards off them. #nffc
@Nffcfamily: When you want to check the bins but they’re empty
@AmericanFoxLCFC: Truly embarrassing behavior
@PsychoactiveF: Tough lads chucking plastic chairs at some glass
@robwxm: Pure embarrassing from Leicester. Throwing chairs and tables at a bar with shoppers and families in is pretty low
@RachTaylor74: The bar was full of families. Uncalled for. So proud of #NFFC supporters for not rising to the antagonism.
@thefoxesarms: Sorry that is disgusting think of the businesses trying to earn a living especially after the last 2 years
@neckdurp: ooo look at me in my stone island throwing chairs all over the place, hooliganism has no place in football
@darthgardiner: That’s embarrassing from our fans tbh
@Niall_Burke26: What the fuck is wrong with folk
@pkonline84: This is disgusting behaviour and totally unacceptable
@mash3479: Bunch of absolute wankers
@JARR0DBOWEN: Grown men lol fuckin weirdos
@Martyns5: Wow #lcfc really hard, attacking a family restaurant. You must be so proud.
@WillLang0: Proper scummers, you are not welcome in Nottingham #nffc #lcfc
@1wozza: Bless ‘em. I remember my first beer.
@forestfanboy686: Absolute disgrace that
@djm0466: Great planning @nottspolice
@i_am_iain: I do like the way the last big man did a little skip n run when he realised all his backup had pissed off
@PsychoactiveF: The way that guy runs off at end, true athleticism 😂
Leics Police Events @LeicsEvents tweeted a few hours before the match on a separate incident:
If you want pubs to drink in, don’t set off smoke devices inside. Canal House Bar has been closed to #LCFC fans by the management due to the poor behaviour of a minority of supporters. pic.twitter.com/bo0N5qH5uP
— Leics Police Events (@LeicsEvents) February 6, 2022
With another sell-out crowd expected and over 4,000 Leicester fans due to attend the FA Cup fourth round tie at 4pm, Nottinghamshire Police officers will again be present to ensure the day runs smoothly for all.
Chief Inspector Neil Williams, match commander of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Due to Leicester City’s recent success, today’s match represents the first time these rivals have met in nearly eight years, so I understand that both sets of supporters will want to win.
“While we want everyone who is attending the game to have a great time, it is important that people don’t allow their emotions to get the better of them and spoil the day for others.
“As it’s an FA Cup tie, we’re expecting to see twice as many away fans attend today as came to the Championship match against Derby a fortnight or so ago, but we have prepared for this event and our officers will be on hand to keep everyone safe and ensure the rivalry remains good natured.
“The entire Lower Bridgford stand will be allocated to the away fans for the fixture, so I’d ask any Leicester fan who doesn’t have a ticket but is thinking of travelling to the match anyway not to do so and to stay at home and watch the match on television instead.
“As ever, our officers will be on hand to support fans and both clubs to provide an enjoyable day for everyone in attendance, and we will of course take positive action to keep people safe, should any crime or disorder take place.”
Road closures are in place close to the ground on Lady Bay Bridge before the match gets underway and again after the final whistle, with police urging drivers to avoid the area during these times.
Nottinghamshire Police has also warned supporters not to attempt to try and smuggle flares and smoke bombs, after pyrotechnics were seized by officers during last month’s game with Derby.
Ch Insp Williams added: “We did unfortunately experience incidents of flares being thrown at the Derby match, so I want to urge people not to make the same mistake.
“It’s important that anyone thinking of smuggling pyrotechnics into a football ground knows that even going into a stadium with a flare is an offence and could lead to them being turned away at the turnstiles, receiving a football banning order of up to five years, or being arrested.
“Throwing pyrotechnics is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury, both to yourself and to those around you – it just isn’t worth it.
“Having spoken to fan groups beforehand, we know that the vast majority of supporters will be attending the match just to cheer their side on and to enjoy the feel of another local derby, so our main focus will be to ensure everyone is able to do this safely.”
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