A GROUNDSMAN at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light was part of a gang of hooligans who clashed with police, a court heard yesterday.

Prosecutors claim John Richmond was among a group of Black Cats fans who attacked police at Newcastle Central Station.

Officers had been trying to keep Sunderland fans away from Newcastle supporters when the violence flared.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the Sunderland fans, with Richmond allegedly near the front, suddenly surged at police, attacking officers and police dogs.

Richmond, who is on trial for affray, denies using any violence and says he only moved forward with the others because he thought they were going for the Metro.

Michael Graham, prosecuting, said: “The prosecution say Richmond was near the front of the surge towards the police. Punches and kicks were aimed at the police and police dogs and one witness said all hell broke loose.

“Some of the fans were punching out at the police, it was really bad going for the police and it was necessary for them to respond by using their batons as a means of protection. As a result, some of the Sunderland group suffered injuries, including the defendant.”

Trouble flared on a Saturday night in August 2009, when Sunderland fans were returning from a pre-season friendly against Hearts in Scotland.

Police had spotted a number of known Newcastle hooligans in the area of Central Station and feared trouble when the train from Edinburgh arrived with the rival fans on board. As officers tried to control the Sunderland fans on the main concourse at the train station, they became aggressive and surged at police.

Mr Graham said: “Some of the group were intent on disorder.

“They were goading police dogs and shouting ‘Geordie scum’, and some were unhappy about the police presence and became more hostile. There was a surge towards the police and violence broke out.”

When Richmond was arrested he said he worked as a groundsman at the Stadium of Light and had just been to watch the game.

He said he had taken no part in the violence and complained he had been attacked by police.

The 46-year-old, of Fordfield Road, Sunderland, denies affray. The trial continues.

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