It is reported that supporters stole drinks, smashed glasses and ripped a payphone from the wall after arriving in the village of Penkridge, Staffordshire, at around 1700GMT on the way to the game.

Police acted to avoid repeat scenes of violence

Fifteen people were later arrested during a major police operation at Stoke's Britannia Stadium.

The incidents followed earlier warnings to both sets of fans not to cause trouble.

But at Penkridge, Cardiff City fans allegedly ignored bar staff and helped themselves to champagne, wine and chocolates.

Superintendent Nick Howe said the police operation at the Britannia Stadium had gone "extremely well" and he praised the cooperation officers had received from both the Stoke and Cardiff City clubs.

The last time the clubs met in April 2000 the game was marred by violence resulting in more than two dozen arrests and led to Operation Javelin, the largest ever hooligan crackdown in the UK.

They smashed a hole in the ceiling, got behind the bar and stole bottles of champagne and wine.

Linda Denston, landlady, Railway Inn

Before the match, Stoke City manager Gudjon Thordarson had called for calm on the Cardiff City FC website.

But the latest incident at Penkridge resulted in a dozen police officers being called to the scene and the fans were moved on.

The landlord at the Littleton pub said around �500 worth of damage was caused.

It is claimed supporters also stole pictures and lamps from the Railway Inn, as they made their way to the Britannia ground to watch the Division Two match.

Railway Inn landlady Linda Denston said: "The majority (of fans) were fine but there are always a handful who wreck everything and they were all over the place.

Police action

"They smashed a hole in the ceiling, got behind the bar and stole bottles of champagne and wine.

"The police came and surrounded the pub and got some of the stuff back," she added.

Robert Crook, assistant manager at the nearby Littleton Arms, said the supporters ripped a payphone out of the wall and smashed glasses.

"A couple of fans came in and I thought nothing of it and then I turned round and 50 had piled in behind," he said.

"I think we probably had a lucky escape," said Mr Crook.

In his appeal on the Cardiff City website, the Stoke manager said the Football Association would take a dim view of repeated violence.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw.