Published: Thursday, 1st January, 2009 9:00am

Duberry prepared for Ninian Park abuse

by Anthony Smith

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MICHAEL Duberry is prepared for another roasting from Cardiff City fans in Saturday's FA Cup third round clash at Ninian Park (3pm ko).

Duberry received stinging abuse during the highly-charged 1-1 draw at the Madejski Stadium on Boxing Day.

But the ex-Leeds United and Chelsea defender had the last word thanks to a 96th minute equaliser from goalkeeper Adam Federici.

Duberry and his team-mates have since been accused of over celebrating in front of the 3,000-plus Bluebirds fans who made the short trip up the M4.

It sparkled ugly scenes in the south stand as a group of City supporters tried invading the pitch and mounted police were called in to diffuse the situation.

Four people were arrested for public order offences but Duberry denies inciting trouble.

He insisted: "I went to all corners of the ground as I usually do. I turned to our fans but obviously Cardiff had that whole end so, bar walking sideways, there was nothing else I could do.

"I faced my fans but in the same way Cardiff gave me banter, and if you give it you have to take it. But it wasn't aimed at riling them.

"I celebrated in triumph. I've got to be allowed to celebrate with my fans, they supported me for the whole 90 minutes. So if Cardiff fans took it as an offensive gesture they're got to look at themselves."

In fact Duberry admits he enjoys running battles with opposition supporters. "I think it's brilliant," he declared. "The chanting on the terraces, that's just football. It helped me because I was up for a battle.

"They were giving me stick when they scored so I was glad we got the equaliser because it quietened them down. But that's all part of football. As long as it isn't racial abuse it's all good.

"I've sampled it before from the Cardiff fans when I was at Leeds but most players just get on with it. I could hear them chanting my name but it didn't bother me. My kids asked me what they were saying so I told them they were saying they like me. Again, as long as it's not racial, let them sing their songs."

Duberry also believes that only a small number were responsible for the crowd trouble.

"We saw the police cleaning things up afterward and you don't want to see those things go on," he explained. "Enjoy yourselves, sing your chants and have a good day out.

"But nobody wants to see that. It just gives football fans a bad name even though most of them are not like that. The minority are spoiling it for the majority. I hope those who spoiled it and made trouble get the punishment that's coming to them."

Boss Steve Coppell will make several changes for the third round clash. If Duberry plays he will once again become the main target of any Bluebirds' abuse. That, though, will be nothing new.

The 33-year-old centre-back was involved in one of the biggest cup upsets in recent times when Cardiff, then of Division Two, knocked out Leeds United, who were then leading the Premiership, in January 2002.

But the Welsh club's giant-killing act will always be remembered for the violent aftermath that saw hundreds of City fans invade the pitch before clashing with rivals supporters and police.

Cardiff were found guilty of misconduct and fined £20,000 by the Football Association of Wales and Duberry recalled: "Sam Hammam was the Cardiff chairman and he was geeing them up. It was a big game for them against Premiership opposition and they won. The usual thing happened and the fans rushed onto the pitch.

"None of them actually attacked the players, they just rushed on and that was it. But there was a safety matter for us because we didn't know what was going to happen.

"It looked worse that what it was. I think they were just happy and wanted to get to their own players. But safety-wise, it wasn't good for Leeds United."