120 Busted as Russians, Poles Clash at Soccer Showdown

15 seriously injured in Warsaw fan skirmishes at Euro 2012
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 13, 2012 3:00 AM CDT
Updated Jun 13, 2012 3:20 AM CDT
120 Busted as Russians, Poles Clash at Soccer Showdown
Polish police stand guard after the Euro 2012 soccer championship Group A match between Poland and Russia in Warsaw.   (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Euro 2012 has been shaken by some of the worst violence to hit a major soccer tournament in years. At least 120 people were arrested as large groups of Polish and Russian fans clashed in Warsaw before and after the two national sides played to a 1-1 tie, reports the BBC. At least 15 people were injured as fans brawled and police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to prevent the skirmishes from becoming a full-scale riot.

Despite the long history of bad blood between the two countries, authorities allowed thousands of Russian fans to march through the city to mark Russia's June 12 national day. Thousands of police officers were deployed to keep rival groups of fans apart, but they were unable to prevent them from attacking each other, reports the Telegraph. In a separate incident, a group of 50 Polish fans attacked a cafe where Russian fans were gathered. There were also reports of unprovoked attacks on bystanders. (More Euro 2012 stories.)

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