'Superb' support win praise from police and rivals
SWANSEA City have won many plaudits for their attractive football on the pitch — and now the Jack Army is being praised for their behaviour in the stands too.
South Wales Police have said they "cannot praise the Swans fans highly enough" for their conduct during the club's first season in the Premier League.
During the 2011/12 season there were six arrests at the Liberty Stadium and 29 at away games. The fans have also been saluted by Swans chairman Huw Jenkins, who said the club was very proud of them.
Superintendent Phil Davies said: "I cannot praise the Swans fans highly enough for their behaviour at both home and away games.
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"I have been heartened by the ever-increasing sight of families attending matches and also by the sight of opposing supporters mixing together with each other around the Liberty Stadium.
"The club, supporters and police alike are looking forward to the challengers of the coming season — I hope that the Swans fans are able to build on their ever-growing good behavioural reputation."
He added that recognition for the fans' behaviour had also come from forces such Greater Manchester Police, as well as from clubs including Bolton, Newcastle and Manchester City, with the Premier League champions describing Swans supporters as "absolutely superb".
A breakdown of home arrests last season show they were for public order offences, assault, breaching football banning orders, drugs possession, and racially aggravated public order, while most of the arrests on the road were for alcohol and drunkenness offences. The total number of arrests — 35 — is the same as the previous season.
Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins praised the Jack Army, both home and away.
He said: "I can't emphasise enough how pleased the board of directors and the players were with our support last season.
"It has been a constant point of discussion with opposition directors when they visited the Liberty Stadium and when we travelled up and down the country. They have not only been amazed at the level of our support, but also the atmosphere they create during games.
"The praise the fans have received is thoroughly deserved and I can't thank them enough for their exemplary behaviour."
He added: "We are very proud of our supporters and I am sure it will stay that way as we look to establish ourselves in the Premier League."
jason.evans@swwmedia.co.uk
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