183 arrests after fighting between Russia and Poland fans in Warsaw, Poland

Summary
12 June 2012
Police in Warsaw have made more than 183 arrests relating to fighting between Poland and Russia fans. 7 Polish and 2 Russian fans were injured.

Article from The Guardian:



Police in Warsaw have made more than 183 arrests relating to fighting between Poland and Russia fans and expect to add to that number as investigations continue.

Before the match, a 1-1 Group A draw at the National Stadium, thousands of Russia fans marched on the capital's Poniatowski Bridge to mark Russia Day, considered a provocative gesture by some Poles whose nation was subjected to decades of rule by Moscow during the Cold War.

A police statement read: "More than 183 hooligans were caught by the police because of disorders in Warsaw – firstly during the march to National Stadion, secondly in the Fanzone in Plac Defilad Square. Among the kept persons there are fans of both teams – Russian and Polish.

"There are 10 persons who are injured: 7 Polish, 2 Russians and 1 German – their lives are not in danger concerning the information from the medical services."

Police are understood to have deployed water canon and rubber bullets as part of their response.

A Warsaw police spokesperson added: "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."

Trouble flared despite an unprecedented security operation in the Polish capital, where authorities had been extensively trained in anti-riot operations before the tournament.

Tuesday's violence is is the latest blight on the competition, which is being co-hosted by Ukraine, with Uefa already indicating they will launch investigations into allegations of racist chanting in games involving Spain and Italy, and Russia and the Czech Republic.