By Andrew Warshaw
November 7 – European football was plunged into a fresh hooligan problem yesterday when police detained scores of Dinamo Zagreb fans in the French capital ahead of the UEFA Champions League group game against Paris Saint Germain.
Reports said police arrested up to 125 fans who defied a French Government ban and were involved in street fights with rival PSG supporters.
The French Interior Ministry had banned visiting Zagreb fans on Sunday (November 4) because of a serious chance of unrest – and their fears were realised.
If French prosecutors pursue a case against the Croatian fans, each could face up to six months in prison and €30,000 (£24,000/$39,000) in fines for ignoring the travel ban.
The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) backed the arrests.
“We support any action that leads to the prevention of violence or punishing of those who committed violent acts,” at sports events, HNS spokesman Neven Cvijanović was quoted as saying.
This is not the first time Croatian football fans have been under the spotlight.
The national association was fined during the 2012 UEFA European Championship for unruly behaviour by hardcore supporters.
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