Columbus video evidence emerges
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd July 2008
By: Staff Writer
A video of the crowd disturbances that marred West Ham United's 3-1 win against Columbus Crew on Sunday evening has been posted on YouTube.
Unsurprisingly, and in contrast to the vast majority of media reports citing 'West Ham hooligans' as being responsible for the violent scenes, the video illustrates how (mostly US-based) United fans were goaded and attacked by sections of the home crowd before, during and after the game.
The video, in four parts, can be seen below. Only one man - 34-year-old American Jeffrey Lutzo - was arrested and charged as a result of the incident.
No English/British supporters are believed to have been involved in the disturbances.
How the story was reported
Metro (London)
"West Ham and American fans in mass brawl during friendly"
The Times
"Crowd violence erupts on West Ham United's US tour"
Daily Mail
"Terrace trouble overshadows Hammers win in America as West Ham fans scrap in US"
Evening Standard
"A half-time brawl among more than 100 fans marred West Ham's 3-1 win in their friendly against US side Columbus Crew"
ABC News
"Brawl Mars Exhibition Between MLS, West-Ham United"
wbalTV.com
"Fans Rumble At 'Friendly' Soccer Match"
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by Seam
04:28PM 23rd Aug 2008
''You call that a fight? If anything the Columbus fans should be arrested for being supporters of such a crappy team in a crappy league. If Columbus is so great they should come to Upton Park sometime to watch a real football game. That guy should definitely be let out of jail.''
by british hammer
09:58PM 10th Aug 2008
''I'm an Englishmen and I was at the game and have a few comments to say on this. First off it wasn`t even a fight and second, yes a few West Ham supporters, to which I might say were USA-based, were started on so all they did was have a go back. Funny how there are all these rumours going around like there were 1,000 West Ham supporters and the Crew done them. Don't be silly.
99% of us who were watching the game were laughing at all you Crew in that small corner, as we all thought you were funny - just a shame that it seemed Crew had something to prove because of West Ham's reputation.''
by Demonstimpy
09:42PM 24th Jul 2008
''I live in the US. These people are just gay for the most part.
Watch the Yankee Football with some of them. Girlie "wooting" all the time. Ugh.''
by chuck Hostman
02:28PM 23rd Jul 2008
''Finally a bit of passion shown at a North American sporting event ...''
by onebuell
05:17PM 22nd Jul 2008
''Ok. Restarted the PC and the links came up second time. Too many hand bags in that 'brawl'!? I don't think so. If you Yanks call that a victory, come visit us at Upton Park!''
by onebuell
04:56PM 22nd Jul 2008
''Maybe I'm thick - but where are the video links for this?''
by Ant S
04:52PM 22nd Jul 2008
'''Relegation'? The Yanks are a joke.''
by west ham 1980
04:17PM 22nd Jul 2008
''My you boys are tough - or are you just bullys? If it was a proper firm over there you would have p***ed your pants. It's bad enough you killing our army boys ...''
by Liam
08:37AM 22nd Jul 2008
'''Relegation, Relegation'?
Dumbass suckers. No wonder MLS 'socca' will never be a success.''
by Matt H
03:40AM 22nd Jul 2008
''After watching a couple of those, it makes me sad to be an American.''
by Miki
12:03AM 22nd Jul 2008
''Mmmm where was the mass brawl? Looked like one of those rubbish spring-break videos.''
