Police are looking into a violent exchange between Cardiff City and Luton Town supporters after shocking video footage emerged online that shows more than a dozen men exchanging punches outside Ninian Park railway station.
In a 23-second video clip posted on YouTube, one fan is seen on all fours in front of a coach that had been carrying Luton supporters after being struck, while passersby try to avoid the violence. Observers claimed that the fighting started after bottles were allegedly thrown at the bus, leading to some passengers getting off and the incident escalating.
Cardiff City say that they are aware of the incident which occurred ahead of the Championship fixture between the sides on Easter Monday and police have been sent additional footage of the disorder, which eyewitnesses said lasted up to five minutes. A spokesman for South Wales Police told Mirror Football that they "were called at 2,45pm concerning a disturbance near Ninian Park railway station involving up to 40 people. Officers attended and the crowd dispersed."
Local policing inspector Kevin Deacy said: “South Wales Police will not tolerate any kind of violence and we are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or who may have any video footage to contact us.
"The overwhelming majority of Cardiff City fans are well-behaved and passionate about their club and will no doubt be shocked by this incident. Whenever there is evidence of football-related disorder or violence we always pursue those responsible in order that appropriate action is taken."
An unnamed Cardiff fan told WalesOnline: "One guy ran off the bus to shout at the Cardiff fans. Another guy did run off towards Cardiff fans, a Cardiff fan must have punched him, he was quite badly injured. A Cardiff fan had their head sliced open - I thought it was a bottle but it looked like it was a belt. There was blood everywhere.
"It was disgusting. This was unfolding about three metres away from us. More and more fans from Luton started piling off the bus. It just kicked off from there. You're talking a good five minutes of chaos.
"95% of the fans were in the stadium. Someone could have got killed - it was lucky there was only a few straggling fans left. I've been going for 30-odd years and I've seen little skirmishes but this was full on. It was as bad as I've ever seen."
Another supporter, Dan Tyte, added: "Shoutout to the Luton bus that stopped outside Ninian Park station before the game. Piled off. Punch ups. Bloody heads. And one fella swinging his belt over his head. Thrilled to walk down the steps carrying my three-year-old daughter as it kicked off."
Luton, who sit fourth in the table with three games remaining, won the match 1-0 thanks to a Harry Cornick header in the 71st minute. They are almost assured of a play-off spot, resting six points clear of seventh-place Millwall. Cardiff remain in 17th position.
