This isn’t what we wanted to see.
French police reportedly used tear gas on England fans last night after fighting broke out in Marseille.
Thousands of supporters have descended upon the French city ahead of England’s opening game against Russia on Saturday night, but two fans have already been arrested for brawling with locals.
According to The Daily Mail, a group of the city’s youths confronted England fans who were gathered outside the Queen Victoria pub in the Old Port district and O’Malley’s Irish bar next door.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0Os0S8MHbw&feature=youtu.be
Riot police are said to have used tear gas and batons to break the fight up, and there were further reports of fist fights outside a McDonald’s restaurant.
The Mail Online spoke to a fan who identified himself only as Simon. According to his account, the England supporters were provoked by a local gang.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cba0DleewKo
“They were baiting us, and then attacked,” he told them. “None of the England fans were doing anything wrong – a few of us had a bit much to drink, but that was all.
“Suddenly a French gang appeared and started attacking us, and throwing stuff. We had to defend ourselves, and then the police showed up.”
Another fan, Chris Lord, called it a “really nasty attack”. At least one fan could apparently be seen lying in a pool of blood after being hit across the face with a chair.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqxFgRO3nkw
Chief Superintendent Steve Neill, a British policeman in charge of England fan security in Marseille, confirmed the fight, which happened at around midnight, to BBC Radio 5 Live.
He said: “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.
“We need to keep it in context – there are thousands of England supporters who will come here and have a fantastic time.
“There is a small minority who drink too much and get involved in some anti-social behaviour.”
