Craig Disley: Show domestic violence the red card

A Shrewsbury Town football star teamed up with police to urge fans to show the red card to domestic violence.

Craig Disley said he was "shocked" at the figure that domestic violence cases boomed up to 40 percent on days England lost matches in the last World Cup.

There were 2,500 reports of domestic abuse made to the police in Shropshire police division last year.

Mr Disley urged fans to vent their disappointment in other ways, instead of returning home and starting a booze-fuelled attack on their partners and children.

Launching the West Mercia Police campaign at Shrewsbury Town's Greenhous Meadow stadium yesterday, the married father-of-two said: "It's absolutely shocking - especially when people are supposed to be enjoying the World Cup. It's unnecessary and needs to be stamped out. I would urge fans to be sensible and drink responsibly."

He said as a player himself he often suffered disappointment but did not use violence as a result.

He urged victims to pick up the phone and get help and friends or neighbours to report suspicions of abuse.

Jenny Smith, from Women's Aid said: "The World Cup is about the game, fun and friendship - it's not about violence and real men should know this," she said.

Victims of domestic abuse should call the Women's Aid helpline on 0800 783 1359 or in an emergency 999.