Section 5

Section 5 are a football hooligan firm associated with West Bromwich Albion F.C.[1] Whilst Albion have had several other firms since the 1960s, Section 5 is the largest.

Background

Section Five are mainly located in the Smethwick End stand. They are known for their involvement in violent clashes with supporters of rival teams, especially with local clubs Wolverhampton Wanderers,[1] Birmingham City and above all Aston Villa. A history of trouble has also existed with Walsall, Cardiff City, Swansea City, Leeds United, Manchester United, Everton, Nottingham Forest, Derby County, Sheffield United, Coventry City, Stoke City, Bristol City and Burnley.

In 2002, West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters met up in Amsterdam ahead of the England vs. the Netherlands game. Over 50 men fought in the town centre, a conflict that was captured on CCTV. Footage showed a number of Wolves fans throwing bottles into a pub and waiting outside. West Bromwich Albion then ran out of the pub and attacked the Wolves hooligans.

Also in 2004, West Bromwich Albion's Section 5 met up with Cardiff City's Soul Crew in a massive brawl in Cardiff. As Section 5 was getting an escort to the ground, several men broke through the police line and charged at the Soul Crew.

On 22 August 2004, up to 80 West Brom and Aston Villa fans fought a pitched battle, with some using baseball bats, wooden posts, bricks, glasses and iron bars,[2] at the Uplands pub, in Handsworth after a game against Aston Villa.[3] Eight people were injured. [4] The organised fight led to the conviction of 60 hooligans (23 from West Brom and 37 from Aston Villa) at Birmingham Crown Court on 5 December 2006.[4] 58 received football banning orders with prison sentences of up to 21 months. [2]


(The name 'Section 5' probably originates from a section of law (possibly the Public Order Act) aimed at football hooliganism / violent behaviour.)

References

  1. 1 2 Kelly, John (2002-05-19). "Woz on the telly: Bunch of cowards". The Sunday Mirror. Retrieved 2007-08-13.
  2. 1 2 Cowan, Mark; Jasbir Authi (2006-12-05). "The thugs who shamed a city". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 2007-08-13.
  3. ↑ "Time to crack down on football's video nasties". Birmingham Post. 2006-10-26. Retrieved 2007-08-13.
  4. 1 2 Pinch, Emma (2006-12-05). "60 football thugs sentenced after brawl". Birmingham Post. Retrieved 2007-08-13.


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