Sunderland fans in court over Newcastle Central Station stand-off

Feb 9 2010 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

A SUNDERLAND AFC groundsman is among dozens of alleged hooligans accused of staging a fierce stand-off between rival fans, a court has heard.

John Richmond was said to be at the centre of a violent clash at Newcastle’s Central Station as Sunderland supporters travelled home from a pre-season friendly in Scotland on August 8 last year.

Members of the group clashed with officers who drew batons to restrain the rowdy crowd from spilling onto the streets of Newcastle.

Black Cats’ employee Mr Richmond has not been able to work since he was charged with violent disorder last year because his bail conditions require he does not go near the Stadium of Light on match days.

But the 45-year-old, of Fordfield Road, on Sunderland’s Ford Estate, claims he was simply rushing to get home on the day of the fracas so he could be at his pregnant daughter’s bedside as she gave birth.

John Smith, defending for Mr Richmond, said: “Mr Richmond denies this offence. He simply got off the train and was trying to get home as quickly as possible. His daughter was having a baby and was in labour. He was caught in the cordon with other fans and maintains that he was unlawfully assaulted. He suffered broken fingers and was struck with a baton over his head.”