Sick chant at match among 70 offences by football fans in West Midlands
Police killer Harry Roberts was idolised in a sick chant by a football fan – just one of almost 70 offences committed by West Midland football fans in one season.
Roberts, now aged 80, sparked anger after he was released from a life prison sentence for the murder of three policemen in London in 1966.
But his name was sang by a Birmingham City supporter, who was reported singing ‘Harry Roberts is our f****** friend, he kills coppers’ in a report by British Transport Police.
The offence on August 22 two years ago, when Birmingham City faced Burnley, was recorded as disorderly behaviour.
It is one of 23 offences by Birmingham City fans recorded by British Transport Police during the 2015/16 season – 10 per cent of football-related incidents involving Championship sides.
Aston Villa supporters were involved in 27 incidents, while Wolves fans were responsible for seven incidents, three per cent of incidents involving Championship supporters.
Yesterday, it was reported how West Bromwich Albion supporters were involved in nine incidents recorded by the BTP.
Lower down the leagues, Walsall supporters were involved in two incidents recorded by the BTP and Shrewsbury Town one.
Incidents involving Aston Villa supporters included a fight involving 10 people who had left a train. The brawl on the station platform left the victim with a cut to their lip.
It happened on August 14 two years ago – the same day the team played Manchester United.
On September 13 two years ago, an Aston Villa fan was reported to have thrown half a can of lager at a police officer, hitting him on the back of his head.
Wolves supporters have also been involved in trouble on public transport.
On April 30 last year, on the day the side faced Nottingham Forest, British Transport Police reported that train staff recovered a knife from a coach transporting fans.
And on January 23, on the day the club faced QPR, about 25 drunk supporters were reported as being rowdy on a train service waiting departure.
On October 17 two years ago, Walsall supporters were reported to be throwing bottles, stones and boulders at a train carrying Chesterfield fans and police officers.
Finally, Shrewsbury Town supporters were also reported for an offence on October 31 two years ago, on a day the club faced Port Vale. A text message was sent to the BTP reporting of fans being rowdy on a train service.
