Violence overshadows Euro 2012 clash between Poland and Russia

From Andrew Warshaw

June 12 – Violent clashes between rival Polish and Russian fans led to over 100 arrests tonight in the worst outbreak of hooliganism so far at the European Championships.

The trouble took place on the streets of Warsaw in the build-up to the emotionally charged group game between the two countries that ended 1-1 and followed a flag-waving march by Russian fans on Independence Day in what was seen as a provocative gesture by the joint tournament hosts who were subjected to decades of communist rule by Moscow during the Cold War.

During the match itself, more fighting broke out near a fan zone in the centre of the city as tensions ran high.

Police used water cannons and tear gas to quell the disturbances.

Polish police confirmed 10 people were injured in the fighting but said none of the them were believed to be life-threatening after the biggest security operation ever mounted for a single sporting event in Poland.

A Warsaw police spokesperson said: ‘We are still monitoring the situation and trying to identify the supporters involved.

“The operation is not over from our side as we continue in our attempts to catch those who are causing trouble.”

Yesterday Polish newspapers made numerous references to Poland’s victorious 1920 battle against the Bolshevik Army, known as the Miracle on the Vistula.

The Super Express tabloid carried a front page mocked-up picture of Poland coach Franciszek Smuda charging on horseback.

UEFA have already opened disciplinary proceedings against Russia after a series of incidents involving the country’s fans at Euro 2012.

Russian fans were caught on camera kicking and punching stewards inside the stadium at Wroclaw after their team beat the Czech Republic 4-1 last Friday (June 8).

Four stewards needed hospital treatment. European football’s governing body are also looking into allegations that Russian fans racially abused Czech player Theodor Gebre Selassie who is of Ethiopian origin.

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