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14 arrested before Birmingham cup tie

27 January 2011 02:10 (UTC +04:00)

Baku â€“ APA. Police made 14 arrests as officers battled to keep rival fans apart before Wednesday’s League Cup semi-final second leg between Birmingham and West Ham at St Andrew’s, APA reports quoting AFP.
The arrests were made for a variety of offences during a "robust and large-scale" operation to ensure public safety.
Eyewitnesses said fans were seen standing on top of vehicles before the match as supporters attempted to confront each other in a car park at St Andrew’s.
Officers from across West Midlands Police area, supported by specialist dog handlers and evidence gathering teams, have been drafted in to police the fixture.
Speaking before the match kicked off, Superintendent Steve Graham, who is in charge of the police operation, said: "We have been working with both clubs and the Football Association to ensure that the event takes place in a safe environment.
"While most people will come and enjoy the game, we recognise that there is a minority who may use the event as an opportunity to cause trouble."
West Ham led 2-1 from the first leg with Arsenal waiting to face the winners at Wembley.