South Wales Police have confirmed that just one arrest was made following Cardiff City’s Carabao Cup quarter final clash with Chelsea at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday evening, as more than 30,000 fans attended the sold out fixture.
The Bluebirds welcomed Premier League opposition to Cardiff after progressing through the earlier rounds of the competition, with a lively atmosphere inside and around the stadium as supporters backed their side in the hope of reaching the semi finals. Despite the occasion, Cardiff were beaten 3 to 1 by Chelsea, bringing their cup run to an end.
Police were deployed across the city to support the large scale sporting event and said the match passed largely without incident. One man from Cardiff was arrested in the Canton area after the match for a public order offence.
South Wales Police also confirmed they are investigating reports of homophobic chanting directed towards a section of the Chelsea support during the game.
Superintendent Esyr Jones, said:
“During tonight’s policing operation in support of the Cardiff City versus Chelsea fixture at Cardiff City Stadium, officers made just one arrest throughout the evening.
“The man from Cardiff was arrested in the Canton area after the match for a public order offence.
“We are aware of reports of homophobic chanting directed towards a section of the Chelsea support which is under investigation. This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and we are working with both football clubs to identify any criminality and those responsible face robust action.
“We have significant experience of supporting large scale sporting events and working with football clubs to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone involved, but of course the behaviour of fans plays a huge role in the success of an event of this scale.
“With more than thirty thousand people in attendance at tonight’s match, the vast majority of fans behaved impeccably and helped ensure this night of football will be remembered for the right reasons.
“We would like to thank local residents, local businesses, and the general public for their consistent support and cooperation. Disruption to some areas of Cardiff on matchdays is unavoidable, but we do everything we can to ensure this is kept to a minimum.”
Enquiries into the reported chanting are ongoing, with officers working alongside Cardiff City and Chelsea to identify those responsible.
