BBC SPORT | CARDIFF CITY | Yorath slams Hammam

Former Wales boss Terry Yorath has joined the critics of Cardiff City chairman Sam Hammam following Sunday's crowd disturbances against Leeds at Ninian Park.

Cardiff-born Yorath, who managed the Bluebirds and played for the Yorkshire club during his long career, described Hammam's actions in walking around the pitch during the game as 'outrageous'.

"The history of both sets of fans gave you the impression that the day might not run smoothly," he told BBC Radio Wales.

He can preach to them that he doesn't want a club supported by hooligans

Terry Yorath

"But I thought the actions of the chairman (Hammam), walking past the Leeds fans and standing behind the goal, was outrageous.

"As managers we are not allowed six feet away from the dug-out, so for him to walk around in that atmosphere was wrong."

Yorath, who was manager of Cardiff in 1994, believes Hammam may have overdone his adoption of Welsh 'hwyl' at the club.

"He has put a lot of money into the club and has it going in the right direction," he said.

"But I think leading them over the top, in terms of passion, is completely wrong.

Cardiff City chairman Sam Hammam
Sam Hammam's walkabout has become a tradition at Ninian Park
"I think Sam should realise it's not Wimbledon. Wimbledon is a village compared to Cardiff. They were only getting 7,000 there, whereas in Cardiff you're talking about 12-15,000 every game.

"They need to be led down a path of supporting the club and not going over the top."

And if the City chairman gets it right, Yorath thinks Hammam could be an even bigger hero for the Bluebirds' supporters.

"Sam has come to the city and the fans adore him because he has spent money and the team are doing well.

"He can preach to them that he doesn't want a club supported by hooligans, because he's a leader. And he can be a fine leader."

Hammam has demanded an apology from the BBC - even though he had one of its reporters thrown out of Ninian Park following the Leeds match.

When asked about his actions by BBC Five Live's Jonathan Overend, Hammam reportedly confiscated a minidisc and ordered security staff to eject the journalist.

The BBC has lodged a complaint with the Football Association - but Hammam has hit back, accusing the broadcaster of pursuing a "vendetta".

A BBC spokesman said: "We've filed a complaint with the Football Association so we are unable to make further comment until we hear from the FA."


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