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IRR > European Race Bulletin > United Kingdom > Extreme-Right politics

Focus on Combat 18

By Liz Fekete

1 April 1995

Neo-nazis cause football riot

Followers of Combat 18 were behind the rioting that stopped a friendly match between England and Ireland in Dublin in February. The violence of the English neo-nazis, who chanted 'No surrender to the IRA' and gave nazi salutes while hurling seats on the pitch and attacking fans, has also drawn attention to the links between C18 and loyalist organisations like the Ulster Defence Association and Ulster Freedom Association. The neo-nazis, it is claimed, planned the violence for almost 3 months as a protest against the Northern Ireland peace process.

British neo-nazis also attempted to disrupt a European Cup Winners Cup match between Bruges and Chelsea in Belgium but were overwhelmed by a massive police presence.

According to the National Criminal Intelligence Service Football Unit, C18 have targeted football fans at Swansea in Wales for recruitment.

A special squad, drawn from Metropolitan police special units - including SO1, international organised crime - has been set up to investigate the activities of violent far-Right organisations such as Combat 18. The move follows criticisms of the poor response of Special Branch to C18 violence.

In January, Special Branch raided the homes of neo-nazis in London and Essex, seizing racist propaganda and hit lists of left targets. Last December, the editor of the anti-fascist monthly Searchlight had a letter-bomb delivered to his house.

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© Institute of Race Relations 1995