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Fighting football fans avoid jail Fighting football fans avoid jail
(40 minutes later)
Two rival football fans have escaped jail after taking part in a street battle between 100 fans in London.Two rival football fans have escaped jail after taking part in a street battle between 100 fans in London.
Stephen Bowden, 46, and Steven Davidson, 27, were among Chelsea and Tottenham fans who brawled after an FA Cup quarter final match in March 2007.Stephen Bowden, 46, and Steven Davidson, 27, were among Chelsea and Tottenham fans who brawled after an FA Cup quarter final match in March 2007.
It was lucky no-one was killed given the "staggering" level of violence in the clash in Parsons Green, south-west London, Blackfriars Crown Court heard. Police said it was lucky no-one died in the clash in Parsons Green, south-west London, Blackfriars Crown Court heard.
The men received 15-week jail sentences that were suspended for two years. Both men received 15-week jail sentences that were suspended for two years for violent disorder.
Judge Deva Pillay said: "By the jury's verdicts you were separately and individually found to have been involved but on a limited basis."Judge Deva Pillay said: "By the jury's verdicts you were separately and individually found to have been involved but on a limited basis."
'Dangerously outnumbered'
The disturbance began outside the White Horse pub in Parsons Green several hours after the three-all draw on 11 March 2007, the court heard.
Chelsea and Tottenham fans used knives, baseball bats, beer glasses, pool cues and furniture as weapons in the running confrontations with each other.
"During some stages of that disorder police were dangerously outnumbered," the judge said.
The battle resulted in six fans being taken to hospital with stab wounds and head injuries.
One, a German national, had been knifed in the buttocks. A total of 40 people were arrested.
Police told the court that both defendants had consumed "considerable amounts" of alcohol.
In addition to their suspended sentences, Bowden, from Sutton in Surrey, and Davidson, from Loughton in Essex, were banned from football matches for four years.
Spurs fan Davidson was also made subject to an 18-month supervision order and must undergo an alcohol treatment programme.
Chelsea supporter Bowden must complete 200 hours of unpaid work and undergo supervision for 12 months.