City `shun fans' over Swansea derby clash.

Byline: Steve Tucker

CARDIFF City fans playing a friendly match against their rivals from Swansea have been left disappointed after officials at Ninian Park did not support the game.

When the teams from ccfcsleepinggiant.com and jackarmy.net played recently, the lads from Swansea won the game 4-1.

But the match was successful in thawing relations between the clubs whose supporters have a history of violence off the pitch.

Swansea officials gave their full support to the game which was played at the city's Morfa Stadium.

Their team were given a full Swansea kit and even the club's famous mascot Cyril the Swan was on hand to cheer his side on.

Now, with the second leg of the match being played in Cardiff on Sunday, the Bluebirds' fans said their club is ignoring a match they believe will help restore the reputation of the club tarnished by hooliganism last season.

``We've contacted Ninian Park asking if they would like to get involved, but the response has been really dis-heartening, to be honest,'' said one of the Cardiff players, Andy Neilson.

``We had an excellent day up in Swansea, a really good laugh with everyone getting on very well.

``We hoped we could get some support, like kits or something, but Cardiff don't seem interested. It's pathetic really.''

A spokesman for Cardiff City said the club was unable to help at this time.

``We have been contacted by the organisers, but the things they asked for could not be provided,'' the spokesman told the Echo.

``We have changed the company who manufacture our kits and do not yet have any available.

``Ninian Park could not be used because we are preparing for the new season and the players are in Scotland on tour. It's a very unfortunate set of circumstances.''

l The match is being played at Cardiff Civil Service ground, in Sanatorium Road, Leckwith, Cardiff, this Sunday. Kick-off is at 11am.