Euro 2016: 2 nights of violence in Marseille

(Baonghean.vn) -Marseille police are preparing themselvescopewithviolenceincreaseafter hundreds offanBritain and Russia clashTeamn2The country will play its first match at Euro 2016 onevening of June 11 (dawntomorrowVietnam time).

England fans in Marseille. Photo: Getty.

Nine fans were arrested during a second night of clashes in the southern French city of Marseille, where the match was played on June 11. Police said six of them will be fined.

Officers fired pepper spray as drunken, shirtless crowds fought with each other and even police in the Vieux Port district.

Local shopkeeper Jean Patrick Berbera described the port area as chaotic and like a “civil war” zone despite the police presence.

Nearby pubs and restaurants were ordered to close and local business owners called for additional security measures to avoid possible damage to their properties.

England fan Gary Toal described a “riotous crowd” on the streets but added that most people were trying to “stay out of trouble and enjoy their football”.

Increased police presence

Around 1,000 police officers have been deployed to Marseille for the month-long tournament, largely in response to the current terror threat following the Paris attacks last November. But with around 50,000 England and 20,000 Russian fans in the city, they may have to put their duties on hold.

French authorities have arranged separate routes for England fans to get to the Stade Velodrome from Russia fans ahead of the 9pm kick-off. Marseille is determined to avoid a repeat of the violence that took place at the 1998 World Cup when England fans clashed with Tunisian supporters.

Police in England have warned fans they could be banned from attending matches at home and abroad if they engage in violent behaviour.

Meanwhile, England head coach Roy Hodgson urged fans to “avoid trouble around the game”.

UEFA reiterated its call for fans to behave properly and also expressed “optimism that the safety of fans from all over the world will be guaranteed by the local authorities responsible for public order and security in the city”.

Thao Linh

(According to DW)