UK And French Police Meet After Fans Clash

British police have been meeting their French counterparts in Marseille after two nights of violence involving England fans.

According to Sky sources the UK officers have been discussing policing around tonight's England v Russia game amid fears of more violence.

There is, sources say, some concern that British advice on controlling England fans was ignored in Marseille last night, when trouble flared again and officers were forced to separate rival fans in the Vieux Port area.

Riot police marched towards hundreds of England fans who ran down the street and threw bottles at police, who used tear gas to disperse them.

Hundreds of fans remained singing the national anthem - as well as songs about the IRA, German bombers being shot down and voting to leave the EU.
Fist fights broke out between English and French-speaking men, with one man being thrown into the harbour after being beaten.

Several fans were arrested.

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England manager Roy Hodgson appeared uncomfortable talking about the hooliganism at a news conference to preview the Russia match, saying he hoped supporters in France could "avoid any troubles lurking around the corner".
It comes 18 years after English hooligans made headlines in the town during the 1998 World Cup.

Romain Davesne, a journalist at local newspaper La Marseillaise, said: "We were all waiting for it because 18 years ago it happened at the World Cup.

"All the security were warned about it and that's why they gave an answer back. Back in World Cup 98 it was worse so they wanted to make sure it didn't happen again.

"The Marseille fans do not break the city down themselves, they were giving a reaction."
The Football Association said in a statement: "We are really disappointed by the scenes of disorder in Marseille and condemn such behaviour.

"The FA urges supporters who are travelling to Marseille to act in a respectful manner and enjoy the match against Russia."

Before England face Russia at 8pm UK time, Wales open their tournament against Slovakia at 5pm.

Kate Rees, from Ebbw Vale in the South Wales Valleys, is in Bordeaux for the game.

Source: Skynews