Forest fans turned out in force today to support a city centre business that was smashed up by Leicester football hooligans last week.
Hundreds of supporters headed to Fat Cat on Chapel Bar after Connor Roberts posted a tweet last Sunday asking if fans could "pack out" the bar before Nottingham's game against Stoke today (February 12).
The 28-year-old said he was thankful for the support from the football community.
“We got here just before 10 and we’re excited to see how many people come," said Connor.
“I’ve been a fan all my life and we’re a great bunch.
“We’re a family orientated football community.”
The organiser said he didn’t expect his tweet to attract so much attention.
He said: “It now has around 1,000 likes, it’s a lot.
“I tweeted to help give back to businesses that were damaged.
“I’ll always try and support local businesses and get involved in positive things.
“Things like this are really important.”
Last Sunday, Leicester City fans hurled chairs, tables and bottles at the venue during one of several flashpoints before the Foxes were knocked out of the FA Cup by Nottingham Forest.
Hours later, police dealt with a fight which broke out in Byard Lane.
Today was a different story though, as home fans made a stand against the violence from visiting hooligans last week.
Gareth Roberts, 30, a consultant, was also at Fat Cat today in support of his cousin Connor’s campaign.
He said: “I’ve been a support of Forest all my life.
“I’ve had a season ticket for 20 years now.
“We’re a decent bunch of people and us sat here is a more representative of the football community.”
Mr Roberts said he had seen a video showing the Leicester fans on the rampage and described it as ‘horrible’.
He added: “It was senseless, it really wound me up.
“It was just horrible, there were families inside really scared
“It was really annoying and it gives people a bad reputation of the football community.
“Football should be about being a community of friends, that’s what it is about.”
James Simpson, 17, student, had seen Connor's appeal on social media and told his Dad they should attend.
He said: “I’m here in support of the football community, I’ve been a fan all my life.
“I told my dad we were going, it was something I wanted to be a part of.
“When I saw the video I was kind of disgusted, it was embarrassing behaviour.
“Just horrendous, football gets a bad reputation already.
“It was a small bunch of people that did it, it’s not all of us.”
Nicole Szmigelskyg, 20, supervisor of Fat Cat, said he really appreciated the Forest fans visiting his venue today.
She said: “They’re all so nice and friendly, we opened earlier for them and it’s going well.
“As a business we really appreciate the support.
“It’s a great atmosphere and I’m enjoying it, everyone keeps asking if we’re alright, it’s nice.”
Matt Murden, 24, tele-communicator engineer, from Carlton, is a Forest fan born and bred.
He said: “It was a no brainier coming here, it’s for a good cause and to support a friend.
“Connor and I usually go for drinks before a match, so I wanted to be here for him.
“I’ve seen the videos and I don’t condone it.
“Somewhere with families is just rotten behaviour.
“It’s great being here.”
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