Violent clashes erupted in Cardiff city centre on Saturday as football fans gathered ahead of the Championship match between Cardiff City and Bristol City.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of "chaos" with a bus being attacked and widespread disorder breaking out in the Welsh capital.
One witness urged people to "stay away from town," describing the area as "full of riots."
The disturbances occurred before the 104th Severnside Derby at Cardiff City Stadium, which kicked off at 12:30pm.
Violent clashes erupted in Cardiff city centre on Saturday as football fans gathered ahead of the Championship match between Cardiff City and Bristol City
X
Large groups of rival supporters clashed with mounted and foot police officers at the junction of St Mary Street and Wood Street, with missiles being thrown during the confrontations.
Video footage captured a large mob of supporters swarming around the Prince of Wales pub, with missiles being thrown and smashing against the building as police attempted to maintain order.
Officers were seen trying to keep rival groups separated outside the pub, with additional footage showing confrontations between fans and mounted police.
JUST IN: Tim Henman makes feelings clear as Jannik Sinner receives three-month ban from tennis - 'Sour taste'
Bristol outside prince of wales #Cardiff #BristolCity pic.twitter.com/5kq0yhnf1z
— flav (@JF___9) February 15, 2025
One witness described a frightening incident involving public transport: "Football fans are hitting our bus as they go past, a masked one just booted the door of the bus that we are on. He's cracked the glass."
The bus driver was reported to be using a radio system to warn other buses to avoid the city centre due to the unfolding situation.
South Wales Police confirmed they were "aware of some incidents of disorder" taking place in Cardiff city centre ahead of the Championship fixture.
A police spokesman acknowledged the situation, stating that officers had been "very busy in ensuring supporters get to the stadium as safely as possible."
The force noted that a policing operation was in place to manage the situation, particularly focused on ensuring the safe movement of supporters.
The police statement addressed the heightened tensions surrounding the match, acknowledging that "a derby fixture such as this always comes with a highly charged atmosphere."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
They also emphasised their commitment to swift action against troublemakers, stating: "Unfortunately there will always a be a minority that will seek to engage in disorder, but officers are responding quickly to stop any such incidents."
A comprehensive policing operation remained in place throughout the match to manage the situation.
Cardiff and Bristol Rovers fans appeared to clash in footage shared on X
X
The force confirmed their focus had shifted to post-match safety, with a spokesman stating: "A policing operation is in place to ensure both sets of supporters can leave the stadium safely following the match."
Officers continued to maintain a strong presence in the city centre and around the stadium to prevent further outbreaks of violence.
