Police officer who went undercover in Millwall firm was 'scared for his life' during first away match

An undercover police officer who joined a Millwall firm has spoken about the terrifying experience of his first away match.

Back in the 1980s, football violence in the United Kingdom was at an all-time high.

Fans groups known as firms have left English supporters with an awful reputation after being involved in multiple violent incidents.

Police officer James Bannon managed to get involved with the London firm, the Millwall Bushwackers.

Bannon, who appears on Channel 4 documentary ‘Italia ‘90: Saving English Football’ outlined how he got involved with the Millwall fans by becoming a regular at the pub.

He told The Sun: “We went there for lunchtime all summer, when there was no football on.

“We got to know the bar staff and the locals so when the football season started in late August, nobody gave us a second look and that gave us credibility.

“The landlord of the pub was one of Millwall’s top boys so we also got to know him, and it moved on from there.”

Bannon then spoke about the experience of his first away match at Leeds which left him fearing for his life.

He said: “There was a massive fight. I was scared for my life. It was my first away match and it was a baptism of fire.

“I got hit, punched and kicked a few times but luckily, never sustained any serious injuries.”

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He added: “We learned two things from that day - Leeds are pretty tasty and never travel on the football special.

“After that we drove to away matches.”

A year before the 1990 World Cup in Italy, Bannon’s undercover mission was ended by the Met Police.

Bannon said: “They employed people to do some of this work who weren't very good and some of the evidence had been made up.

“A decision was taken by senior politicians that they couldn't stomach another trial and lose face so all of the operations were disbanded overnight.”

He continued: “It meant that two and a half years of my life were a complete and utter waste of f***ing time.

“We went from being doing a pretty elite job, which required huge sacrifices, both emotionally and personally, to ‘Thanks very much. Now go back to Orpington and drive a panda car.”

Bannon ended up leaving the police force and has since been an actor, ran a property company as well as starring in a stand-up show.