MX23RW : Wednesday, July 3 13:59:16| >> :120:6418:6418:

UEFA "regrets" violence in Marseille following arrest of two England fans

UEFA "regrets" the violent scenes that broke out in Marseille, resulting in two England supporters getting arrested prior to the start of Euro 2016.

UEFA has released a statement 'regretting' the violent scenes in Marseille that resulted in two England supporters being arrested on the eve of Euro 2016.

A brawl broke out between football fans and locals outside the Queen Victoria pub in the Old Port district just before midnight on Thursday.

Police in riot gear used tear gas to break up the fights, and among the melee one England fan was injured after getting hit in the face with a wooden chair, according to BBC News.

The authorities have confirmed that one England supporter was arrested for assaulting a barman and another was detained for violent disorder.

Chief Supt Steve Neill, a British policeman in charge of England fan security in Marseille, told BBC Radio 5 live: "Local police moved in very quickly and utilised some tear gas to disperse the local youths and close the pub.

"The use of tear gas seems quite dramatic to us from England and the United Kingdom because we are not used to seeing it, but in mainland Europe it is a regular tactic and they restored order fairly quickly."

UEFA responded to the unsavoury scenes on Friday, releasing a statement which read: "UEFA regrets the skirmishes that occurred in Marseille yesterday. We are confident that the safety of travelling fans will be ensured by the local authorities which are responsible for order in the city.

"We make an appeal to all fans to behave respectfully throughout the tournament."

England supporters have gathered in Marseille for the Three Lions' opening Euro 2016 game against Russia on Saturday.

ID:274518: cacheID:274518:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2461:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Joe Hart barks orders during the Champions League quarter-final between Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain on April 12, 2016
Read Next:
Joe Hart urges England to be "ruthless"
>
Read more about Steve Neill Off The Pitch
rhs 2.0
Euro 2024 fixtures header
Friday, July 5
 
5pm
Quarter-Finals
Spain
vs.
Germany
 
8pm
Quarter-Finals
Portugal
vs.
France
Saturday, July 6
 
5pm
Tuesday, July 9
Wednesday, July 10
Sunday, July 14


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!