SAFCSA Dinner marred by trouble

A dinner to mark the 40th anniversary of the SAFC Supporters' Association (SAFCSA) was marred by violence last Friday night, culminating in Richard "Dickie" Ord being arrested, and Phil "Tippy" Gray receiving hospital treatment.

The Sunderland Echo reports that the trouble began at the function when former player Gray was criticised by fans at the dinner for talking while Charlie Hurley was giving a speech. Gray answered back, and ended up being restrained by Kevin Ball when events got out of hand, and security were eventually called to help calm things down.

Gray and Ord left the Stadium in the early hours and headed to the Marriott Hotel in Seaburn but became involved in another incident outside the hotel, allegedly with supporters who had been at the dinner.

Ord says the fight was sparked by the supporters, angry at Gray's behaviour at the dinner, who then ran off when Ord called the police - police who subsequently arrested Murton resident Dickie on a charge of being drunk and disorderly (he was later cautioned and released).

Gray was taken to hospital for treatment as a result of one of the supporters biting his ear.

Richard Ord said, "Phil had an argument at the stadium where we had this do. When we came out of the taxi they've been waiting for him. There were seven or eight of them and they've jumped on him like maniacs - biting his ear.

"By the time the police came they had scarpered. The police came in and saw me and victimised me, put me straight into cuffs without waiting for an explanation.

"It was a tremendous night. It was nice to see some old friends. It's just been spoiled by some idiots and the police. I'm disgusted by the whole thing - I've never been arrested or in trouble in my life."

George Forster, chairman of the SAFCSA, said he was "very cross, and sad, about the whole thing."