LONDON, April 2 (Reuters) - Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn
has paid 8,000 pounds ($15,780) to get about 80 fans home by
taxi from Bristol after supporters were turned off a plane for
alleged rowdy behaviour, British media reported on Monday.
A complaint by the pilot led to police removing fans from
the plane as it waited at Bristol airport, several hours after
second division Sunderland's 1-0 win at Cardiff City.
The flight was eventually cancelled.
Quinn paid for a fleet of 14 taxis to take the supporters
back to Sunderland, some 300 miles away.
The airline, easyJet, said the flight was cancelled because
of 'disruptive behaviour' and added that passengers not involved
in the incident were offered an alternative flight or overnight
accommodation.
Police said: 'The pilot of a flight asked for the supporters
to be removed from the flight because he believed they were
drunk, which is an offence.' No arrests were made.
Quinn has defended the fans and was quoted on Monday as
telling Newcastle paper The Journal: 'We vehemently oppose the
airline's view that there was disruptive behaviour on the plane.
'The mood was humorous and everyone was in good spirits
after our fine victory.
'The club was happy to provide transport back to the
North-East for the group, which included children, elderly and
disabled fans as their safety and wellbeing was paramount.'
Saturday's win improved Sunderland's chances of promotion to
the Premier League.
They are third in the table with 73 points, a point behind
Birmingham City, who beat Coventry City on Sunday. Derby County
are top on 76.
