Yard chief warns clubs on riots

Scotland Yard Commissioner Sir John Stevens issued a warning to football clubs today over the recent riot at Millwall which left up to 100 officers injured.

Sir John described the violence as "out of control" and the worst witnessed by police in recent years.

He warned that while police had the responsibility to deal with disorder on the streets, clubs had a duty to tackle football hooliganism and prevent trouble happening in the first place.

Speaking at a meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority, he said clubs such as Millwall should not be "complacent" about their responsibilities in tackling the thugs.

So far police have made 18 arrests in a major operation - codenamed Zampa - to trace the culprits. Eleven of those held have been charged, most with violent disorder.

The trouble erupted after Millwall lost 1-0 to Birmingham City at the New Den ground in Bermondsey on 2 May. Dozens of fans rampaged, setting cars alight, hurling bricks and paving slabs at police and throwing thunderflashes at police horses.

Twenty six police horses were injured in the trouble, including two which had been part of the Queen Mother's funeral cort?ge.

Afterwards Deputy Commissioner Ian Blair described the clashes as "totally unacceptable".

He said police would be talking to clubs and the Football Association about the riot and raised the possibility of suing Millwall to recover the costs of policing the operation.

A stockbroker with HSBC was among those charged over the riot.