A gang of 32 football hooligans have been jailed for plotting violence at a football match between Tranmere Rovers and Wrexham in 2003.
Merseyside Police knew of the organised fighting before the game, after reading messages on websites used by hooligans, Liverpool Crown Court heard.
Judge Brian Lewis said it was an organised attempt to cause large scale violence.
The gang, most of whom lived in the Wirral, were sentenced to total of 31½ years in prison.
Officers from the Merseyside, North Wales and
Trouble did break out on a train after the match, however, as Wrexham fans headed home. Violence also broke out in
Police said many of the men had planned to meet before the game at a local pub known as the Prince William near
Officers had tracked several text messages sent between the conspirators, including one that read: “Wrexhan…they’re bringing 200 or more can’t wait.”
Judge Lewis said many others who were involved in the fighting had not been tracked down, which is worrying, knowing that football hooligans are still active.
All the men sentenced were banned from attending football matches for six years.
“Tranmere Rovers has always enjoyed the highest respect and reputation not only in the local community but in the wider football world,” he said
“It has become a family club in the truest sense and you have besmirched that with your criminal activities.
“The courts must send out a message that organised violence of this nature will not be tolerated.”
Four men described as key figures were David Sands, Paul Joynson, John Ryan, and Jason Montessori.
Sands and Joynson were jailed for two years, while Montessori was sentenced to 15 months and Ryan jailed for 12 months.