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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Mathew Davies

Swansea City launch investigation over 'unacceptable' fan abuse and damage before Cardiff City match

Swansea City have issued a statement criticising the behaviour of a "minority of the club’s supporters" before the South Wales derby against Cardiff City on Saturday.

Russell Martin's men won the match 3-2 in dramatic circumstances in front of a giddy away end at Cardiff City Stadium.

But the club have highlighted and called out "several incidents of disruption and anti-social behaviour" in the build-up to kick-off, with problems particularly pertinent on coaches travelling to the game in the Welsh capital.

READ MORE: Swansea City news as Martin issues Cardiff City challenge and Nottingham Forest release Steve Cooper statement

Staff were verbally abused and damage will now have to be paid for by Swansea, the club have said.

The match, which kicked off at 3pm and wasn't shown on television, was a "bubble" fixture, meaning supporters heading to the game had to travel on designated transport from specific pick-up points.

In a statement, the club said: "Swansea City is disappointed to have to highlight anti-social behaviour among a minority of the club’s supporters before Saturday’s south Wales derby at Cardiff City Stadium.

"The staging of a fixture of this magnitude requires immense planning and operational resources from the two clubs, local coach companies, and South Wales Police.

"Despite the club issuing clear guidance to supporters in advance of matchday, there were several incidents of disruption and anti-social behaviour, particularly on supporter coaches put on to provide travel for fans attending the game.

"Unfortunately, staff on buses and drivers from various companies were subjected to verbal abuse which is unacceptable.

"There was also damage caused to a coach, internally and externally, for which the club will now incur considerable repair costs.

"These incidents are now being investigated, while there is also the risk that these instances will impact on the club’s ability to provide transport for supporters to attend future away games.

"These events were the actions of a minority, and the club would like to place on record its sincere thanks and gratitude to the majority of supporters who behaved impeccably and provided fantastic support to Russell Martin and the players in what was a memorable victory."

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