Hammam stands by his man

Sam Hammam last night pledged to support one of his security guards who has a conviction for football hooliganism.

Neil MacNamara, 37, was seen walking around the pitch with Cardiff City owner Hammam after Sunday's FA Cup victory over Leeds. It is thought MacNamara is known to the National Criminal Intelligence Service's unit, which deals with hooliganism.

But Hammam said he had known about MacNamara's conviction for months.

Hammam said: 'Mac is like a poacher turned gamekeeper-He knows how to handle certain situations.

'He knows what is going on in a fan's mind. He knows how to keep them quiet.

'Usually poachers can make the best gamekeepers. I have no worries about Mac.'

The FA and FA of Wales launched an investigation on Monday into the violence that marred Cardiff's 2-1 win over the Premiership leaders. Riot police were drafted in when Cardiff fans surged onto the pitch at the end.

Leeds players had been struck by objects thrown from the stands and referee Andy D'Urso required treatment after he was hit on the head by a coin thrown by a fan.

Police arrested and charged four people for public disorder offences. They are due to appear before Cardiff Magistrates on January 17.

Hammam said he was determined to stamp out hooliganism at his club and has arranged a meeting with supporters to talk about how to tackle the problem.

The Lebanese businessman said: 'I am meeting a group of supporters to discuss the situation and put things on the right track.'

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