Police used water cannon and tear gas on unruly Euro 2012 fans in Warsaw yesterday as Poland geared up to play old foe Russia in a must-win Euro 2012 match.

Greatest-ever challenge for law and order forces in the capital

Tension ahead of the match was stoked by centuries of bad blood and suspicion between the two countries and pockets of fans on both sides have a reputation for violence.

Police using water cannon sprayed unruly Polish fans near the stadium just hours ahead of the match, an AFP reporter saw.

Tear gas was also used near the match venue encircled by a thick cordon of riot police.

AFP photographers saw police detaining several fans in the area.

Riot police created a buffer between Polish and Russian fans as they began marching to the National Stadium yesterday afternoon across a central Warsaw bridge chanting, “Russia, Russia”.

Some Polish fans yelled abuse at the Russian marchers, who responded by hurling bottles, but security forces swiftly managed to keep the situation in check on what also happens to be the visitors’ national day.

Earlier, Polish Interior Minister Jacek Cichocki confirmed a heavier police presence, having previously described the security operation as the “greatest-ever challenge for law and order forces in the capital.”

“Drunk fans both in the city centre and on the outskirts of Warsaw after the game – especially around midnight – that’s a real concern,” added Prime Minister Donald Tusk.