More than 200 fans arrested in Zagreb

Croatian police detained more than 200 supporters for disorderly behaviour before the national side's Euro 2008 Group E qualifier against England on Wednesday. "Precisely, 187 home fans and 31 away supporters were detained," the police statement said,...

Croatian police detained more than 200 supporters for disorderly behaviour before the national side's Euro 2008 Group E qualifier against England on Wednesday.

"Precisely, 187 home fans and 31 away supporters were detained," the police statement said, adding that 21 were arrested on Tuesday and the remainder a day later.

A further 25 England supporters were arrested inside Dinamo Zagreb's Maksimir Stadium shortly after kick-off following a clash with stewards at one of the gates.

Police said 20 visiting fans were released immediately after the match won 2-0 by the home side to put them top of the group.

Despite the presence of a large number of police in Zagreb city centre, occasional skirmishes broke out on Tuesday and Wednesday after around 5,000 England fans arrived for the match.

Rival fans clashed in and around city centre streets packed with bars and restaurants on Tuesday night, while various factions of Croatian supporters fought with each other and police before and after the match.

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