Russian and Polish Fans Break into Violence Before Euro Match
Published at
CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP/GettyImages(WARSAW, Poland) — A violent brawl broke out Tuesday between Russian and Polish soccer fans shortly before the two teams met at the Euro 2012 match in Warsaw.
Polish police used rubber bullets and water cannons in an attempt to control the violence, which led to more than 100 arrests and at least 11 people requiring medical attention, according to The Guardian.
What seemed to have been the most violent confrontation Tuesday was triggered by a planned march by Russian fans to the National Stadium to celebrate the country’s declaration of state sovereignty. The fans had obtained permission and police protection prior to the march — an indication that clashes may have been expected.
Many Poles still place blame with the Russians for what happened to them after World War II, when the Soviet Union occupied the country.
Police asked that Russian fans remain seated for 20 minutes after the game’s final whistle, fearing that more violence would ensue, The Guardian reported. Still some fighting continued as fans departed the stadium.
The match between Russian and Poland ended in a draw, with a final score of 1-1.
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio