Print

Mail

wiki links

Portuguese police arrest English fans

Portuguese police clashed with English fans at a square in central Lisbon late Saturday night.

Witnesses said four England fans were taken away by police after scuffles broke out.

The fans gathered around the Rossio square in a downtown are of the Portuguese capital.

Police moved in when the fans spilled onto the street and stopped traffic, AP Television News footage showed.

Riot police quickly moved in to calm the situation and a series of arrests were made and security forces remained at the scene to ensure the road stayed clear.

Later there were clashes between English fans and members of a Portuguese marching band who had been taking part in the city's festivities for St. Anthony's Day, Lisbon's patron saint.

Local people said the trouble started when a bus carrying members of the band passed near the English. The Portuguese alleged a gas canister was thrown onto the bus, which also was carrying children, by the English.

The band got off the bus and started throwing bottles and anything else that came to hand at the English.

At least one English fan appeared to be hurt but there was no definite information on injuries.

Portuguese police attempted to keep the two sides apart.

Officials were not immediately available for comment.

The Rossio square has become a favorite gathering point for England fans.

England meets France today in their opening group B match at Benfica's Stadium of Light in the Portuguese capital. A sell-out 65,000 crowd is expected.
This story has been viewed 2268 times.