Polish and Russian football fans clash in Warsaw, at least 15 injured (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

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Published time: June 12, 2012 16:25
Edited time: June 17, 2012 14:50

A Polish soccer fan lies on the ground after clashing with Russian supporters in Warsaw, June 12, 2012 (Reuters/Peter Andrews)

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Conflict, Euro2012, Football, Police, Security

At least 15 people have been injured as Polish and Russian football fans clashed in Warsaw ahead of the teams’ 1-1 draw. Police were forced to fire warning shots and use water cannon to break up the fighting. At least 100 arrests have been made.

Some 5,500 Russians were marching through the capital when they were reportedly attacked by a mob of Polish youths.

Preliminary reports say at least ten people were injured, and had to be taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for head injuries. At least one of the injured was a Polish national, with no information available on the other two casualties. Russian diplomats are checking claims that one Russian fan was fatally wounded.

As clashes in the capital continue, local news reports that police are using tear-gas against the hooligans, who in turn are throwing stones and firebombs at the police.

"A hundred hooligans, both Russian and Polish, attempted to provoke a conflict. Police prevented that. Fifty-six people have been detained so far," says the Polish State Police Office.

"We are aware of ten casualties: two Russians, one German and the rest are Polish nationals," added the office.

Earlier in the day, a mob of some 50 Polish fans attacked a café in central Warsaw where Russian football supporters had gathered before the match. The Polish fans were wearing masks and threw smoke grenades and stones at the cafe. As the Russians fought back, the attackers retreated. One Russian suffered serious head injuries.

The Russian fans' march was set to coincide with Russia Day, celebrated on June 12, and had been sanctioned by city authorities.

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Polish and Russian soccer fans clash outside the National Stadium in Warsaw, June 12, 2012. (Reuters/Jerzy Dudek)

Reuters/Jerzy Dudek

Polish riot police shoot rubber bullets during clashes with soccer fans before the Group A Euro 2012 soccer match between Poland and Russia in Warsaw June 12, 2012. (Reuters/Fot. Agata Grzybowska/Agencja)

Reuters/Fot. Agata Grzybowska/Agencja

Reuters/Peter Andrews

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Reuters/Fot. Agata Grzybowska/Agencja

Comments (245)

MccoyBrandi19 (unregistered) 17.12.2012 02:07

I had got a desire to make my own organization, but I did not earn enough amount of money to do that. Thank goodness my colleague said to use the personal loans. Thence I used the sba loan and made real my old dream.

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grrr (unregistered) 04.07.2012 14:03

Nick (unregistered) wrote in #12
It's rather sad.

Hope most people in both countries understand it is a shamefull action.

For your information, guys.

Officia l Katyn sites in Poland in 1996 revealed newspapers found in the graves. They were dated 1942. German newspapers. Sadly, they were taken away in three days without any comments. And the fact that the mass graves were found on territory of former exploited children camp also speaks of bloody russian children, shooting polish officers.

I know nobody gives it any attention, but maybe it will give someone brainy enough some motivation to study history better and to avoid speedy conclusions. It will not affect the main idelogical position of any state, but the scrupilous will be delighted to be away from myths.

Yo u should consider discussing only BRITISH history! Leave East and North European history alone - you dont know nothing.

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Den (unregistered) 24.06.2012 13:57

I'm surprised there were any Poles there- most of the buggers have moved to the UK to claim our housing, jobs and benefits. Can't blame the Russian lads at all.

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