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Thursday, November 20, 2008, 17:15
The last match between the teams was marred by trouble, with Swans fans attacking police with bricks and bottles — fans who appeared in court said they were reacting after Cardiff fans ripped up seats from the Liberty.
Now the clubs and police have issued a simple message to people intent on a repeat performance — you are not wanted at the game, so stay away.
The Swans boss held a joint press conference with Bluebird's assistant manager Terry Burton, both teams' supporters trusts, and Chief Superintendent Mark Mathias, to call on fans to ensure the game is remembered for the right reasons.
Roberto said: "We are excited to have this Welsh derby — it is a big football occasion, and we want it to be a game that both sets of fans can be proud of.
Watch video from the press conference below
"Derby matches are special — whether it is Celtic against Rangers, Seville and Real Betis, or Swansea and Cardiff — but they should always be about the football, not about violence.
"The match against Cardiff will be a big occasion for young fans and we want a safe environment for them. The next step is to see this derby being played in the Premiership."
And Roberto praised the atmosphere fans had generated at the Liberty Stadium this season.
He said: "The passion of the fans has taken us to another level."
Cardiff City assistant manager Terry Burton endorsed the call for next weekend's match to be about what happens on the pitch.
"Derby matches are exciting," he said.
"They are the first fixtures fans look at the start of the season. Both clubs want the same thing — fans to come and support their teams and enjoy the match."
The last time the teams met, in September, violence flared after the final whistle. In the aftermath of the game, police launched Operation Cybil to track down the culprits.
More than 30 people have so been arrested as a result of the crackdown, with 16 people being charged with offences and banning orders being slapped on trouble-makers.
Chief Superintendent Mathias said his officers would mount a robust policing operation.
He said: "For those genuine supporters who intend to come to the next derby, please be rest assured that the police, in conjunction with both clubs, will do everything possible to ensure your visit to the Liberty Stadium will be one that you thoroughly enjoy and will remember for the football played. For those people — and I will not call them football supporters — who are thinking of turning up and causing the same violent scenes that we saw in September the message is simple: stay away."
He promised a major policing operation — including closing sections of Neath Road and extra officers on duty — for the game, which is a Sunday morning kick-off.
Huw Cooze, from the Swans' Supporters Trust, said: "We are all aware of the emotion that surrounds this fixture, without which this game would be a lot poorer. However, it is the responsibility of all of us — supporters, players, managers and directors — to ensure such passion does not extend beyond the boundaries of what is acceptable behaviour."
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