Premium
This is an archive article published on July 1, 1998

Hooligan Watch

English invasion underway Thousands of England fans, many without tickets, were heading towards Saint Etienne for their side's potentially e...

.

English invasion underway

Thousands of England fans, many without tickets, were heading towards Saint Etienne for their side’s potentially explosive clash against Argentina.

Although all was quiet when the first early morning arrivals made their way into the town, police were still on full alert after a tense night that saw at least 12 people arrested during a series of clashes between England and French youths. Two people were injured during the skirmishes.

Story continues below this ad

Monday night’s trouble broke out around the town’s central Place

Marengo square, where fans had gathered to watch Holland’s victory over Yugoslavia on a big screen. A local police spokesman confirmed that the troublemakers burned an English flag at the town hall.

Richard Hemmings, 32, from Cheltenham, said, "I wouldn’t be surprised if there was trouble tonight. I reckon there will be 20,000 England fans here without tickets, and if we lose there could be problems. Argentina fan Cristian Ballester, 19, from Buenos Aires, warned that policewould have to be very careful if trouble was to be avoided.

Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement