Seven Everton fans arrested by police for cocaine, cannabis and drug-driving offences en route to Premier League match at Cardiff
Seven Everton fans were arrested after police raided two coaches that were headed for a Premier League clash against Cardiff tonight.The officers boarded two supporters buses on Tuesday at around 2pm shortly before the fans had begun their journey to the Welsh capital.Travelling Everton fans have become involved in unsavoury incidents in recent weeks2
Travelling Everton fans have become involved in unsavoury incidents in recent weeks
A quantity of suspect cocaine and cannabis was found during the raids that involved Matrix Police, the dogs section and Road Policing Officers.The driver of one of the coaches was arrested on suspicion of drug driving.Two men were arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine, while three other men were arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis and a youth was also reported for possession of criminal proper (cash) and possession of cannabis.A second raid on Electric Avenue saw one man arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis, and eight wraps of white powder and 10 bags of suspected cannabis were seized following a search of the vehicle.Meanwhile, a total of 15 coaches of alcohol were recovered. Both coaches were permitted to continue their journeys to Wales following the arrests and seizures, as the remaining supporters headed for the match which Everton won 3-0.They took place as part of a pre-planned operation after a string of incidents involving Toffees supporters during recent away matches.On February 9th, four men from Liverpool were arrested after a fight broke out minutes after Everton’s defeat at Watford.The incident left two men needing hospital treatment.An Everton fan was slashed in the face before their FA Cup clash with Millwall in January.There was also a large scale brawl in the street between the rival fans even though the Toffees supporters were being escorted to The Den by police.Jay Burns required stitches on his face after he was slashed during clashes between Everton and Millwall fansJay Burns Facebook2
Jay Burns required stitches on his face after he was slashed during clashes between Everton and Millwall fans
Inspector Mark Keenan, fromMatrix Operations, said: The arrest of seven people this afternoon is the result of a lot of meticulous, hard work by our investigation teams.We are investigating the possibility that the consumption of excess alcohol and drugs on coaches have been contributory factors in recent incidents of disorder, and todays activity is the direct result of that work.It has been supported by partners includingEverton Football Cluband the Driving Standards Agency, and its primary aim is to protect people of all ages who want to go to football matches to support their team free from the fear of violence and disorder, and to ensure law-abiding citizens including families are not exposed to the taking of illicit drugs.The overwhelming majority of fans conduct themselves with dignity and are a credit to the city, and the vast majority of bus operators are compliant with legislation put in place to guarantee the safety of all passengers.“Their good name should not be tarnished by a minority who do not uphold the same standards of behaviour.Insp Keenan added: Class A drugs blight the lives of the people who become addicted to them.”
Messi is stunned after Barcelona concede a fourth against Liverpool

Welcome to the Evening Standard's LIVE blog dedicated to the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip. Manchester United wrapped up a deal for Swansea starlet Daniel James last week and will now
Transfer News LIVE: Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool gossip
Wilfried Zaha led Crystal Palace to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Arsenal back in April

View the latest Premier League tables, form guides and season archives, on the official website of the Premier League.
What the Premier League table would look like if only the 2nd
Can Pep Guardiola mastermind a victory over unbeaten Liverpool?
A Real Madrid line-up under manager Jose Mourinho, including
Klopp’s Liverpool face Man United on Sunday in a crucial match for his title campaign

Norwich moved back to the top of the Sky Bet Championship following a 4-0 win at Bolton as Sheffield United went second after beating Reading by the same scoreline.
Norwich back on top with Bolton win, Sheffield United thrash
sportsalert.org/2019/02/16/norwich-back-on-top-with-bolton-win-sheffield-united-thrash-reading-west-brom-beat-aston-villa/
West Brom stayed in touch with the promotion-chasing top three as quickfire goals shortly before the interval from Hal Robson-Kanu and Jay Rodriguez clinched a 2-0 win at Aston Villa. Dean Smith's side had fought back from 3-0 down to snatch a point against Sheffield United the last time they played at Villa Park, but there was to be no
Championship round-up: Norwich stay top, Leeds win, Aston
Keita delivered a man of the match performance against Porto
Luis Suarez: Barcelona man last scored an away Champions
Brighton are in the relegation dogfight having not won any of their last six league matches

Manchester United release brilliant fan perspective video from Camp Nou to celebrate Treble anniversary shirt - 2 hours ago; Chelsea vs Arsenal: Blues sell only 2,000 Europa League final tickets… and even sponsors are sending them b - 2 hours ago; Las Vegas tourism board approves $48.6 million deal with The Boring Company - 3 hours ago
Manchester United release brilliant fan perspective video
Man United fans sing the Will Grigg song

Home Leagues Sadio Mane EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool players feel they are destined to win Champions League title this are destined to win Champions League title this season.
Liverpool players train ahead of Champions League final
Ronaldo points out he has won the Champions League five times
'I can't wait for Jurgen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk to leave
Millwall boss Neil Harris looks to have led his side to Championship safety

Tottenham Hotspur Transfers: Where do Spurs need to strengthen in the summer? Pochettino signs a new long-term contract to stay at Tottenham. What They Need for the club to reach the next
The four players I desperately want Tottenham to sign this
Rashford and Martial are still yet to hit the peak years of their careers

Mesut Ozil walks past the trophy after losing the UEFA Europa League final (Image: OZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty Images) . However, Ozil's agent has moved quickly to rebuff rumours, and the former Germany international has backed up his representative's claims, and is determined to see out the remainder of his contract.
Arsenal 'ready to cut their losses' on Mesut Ozil this summer
Gonzalez slides in.

Watford captain Troy Deeney sent a message to Arsenal over his 'cojones' jibe ahead of the sides' clash at the Emirates. Asked if Watford are ready for a strong reaction from Arsenal after his controversial comments, Deeney told Sky Sports: 'I'm always prepared.
Troy Deeney dismisses Everton rumours and insists he is