Russia and Poland Soccer Fans Fight At The Euro 2012 (Video)

Russia and Poland fans clash in Warsaw

Euro 2012: Warsaw, Poland (Sportswriter) -- At least 11 people were injured in clashes Tuesday in Warsaw between Russian and Polish fans before and after a Euro 2012 soccer match, Polish officials said.

Eight of those hurt, one of whom is a policeman, are Poles, two are Russian and one is German, Poland's Interior Ministry said. None of the injuries was life-threatening, medical officials said.



In all, 123 people were arrested, both Russian and Polish fans among them, the ministry said.

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More arrests were expected as police check surveillance footage to identify "hooligans" taking part in the disorder in the Polish capital, the statement said.



Video showed dozens of men running through the streets, some carrying burning flares.

Russian state-run broadcaster RT reported that police fired warning shots and used water cannon and tear gas as they sought to break up the clashes.

Feelings had been expected to run high ahead of the Russia-Poland game, which ended in a 1-1 draw, because of a long history of bad blood between the countries. Both nations have also struggled to deal with hardcore, violent football fans.

Poland is co-hosting the Euro 2012 football tournament with Ukraine.

Russian fans had organized a march through Warsaw before the game to mark Russia's June 12 national day.

The disorder broke out as about 5,000 Russian fans reached Warsaw's Poniatowski Bridge, on their way to the National Stadium, the Interior Ministry said, with "hooligans" from both sides seeking to start a fight.

"As the crowd entered the Poniatowski Bridge, approximately a hundred pseudo football fans of the two opposing teams have attempted to confront each other," the statement said.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wsr1NSHXAc" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wsr1NSHXAc</a>

Riot police took "decisive" action to stop it from escalating, the ministry said. Some 6,000 police were on duty Tuesday in Warsaw.

Russian officials had already called for better behavior from the country's supporters after unrest during Friday's opening 4-1 win against the Czech Republic team.

"We believe that some people who were present at the stadium (behaved) unworthy of the true football fans," read a statement on the Russian Football Union's website. "Those who choose the sports arena for the declaration of their personal political and other positions have no place in the stands.

"The Russian Football Union and the national team of Russia kindly request all the fans of these provocative actions to confront bullies and to cooperate fully with the organizers of the match in matters of security," the statement added.

"We appeal to all fans who are in Poland. Remember that you represent your country. Respect yourself, your home and your team."

Posted: at 13-06-2012 02:55 PM (11 years ago) | Newbie

alright

Posted: at 13-06-2012 04:51 PM (11 years ago) | Hero

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Posted: at 13-06-2012 07:54 PM (11 years ago) | Addicted Hero

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Posted: at 13-06-2012 09:11 PM (11 years ago) | Hero

mad men

Posted: at 14-06-2012 12:03 AM (11 years ago) | Upcoming

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Posted: at 14-06-2012 08:01 AM (11 years ago) | Newbie

 

Posted: at 14-06-2012 12:26 PM (11 years ago) | Gistmaniac

 

Posted: at 14-06-2012 01:39 PM (11 years ago) | Gistmaniac

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Posted: at 14-06-2012 06:49 PM (11 years ago) | Addicted Hero

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Posted: at 16-06-2012 10:06 AM (11 years ago) | Gistmaniac