Violent clashes between Russian and Polish fans at Euro 2012. Read more!

Russian and Polish football fans were involved in violent street fights ahead of last night's Euro 2012 meeting between the two national sides in Warsaw.

Police fired rubber bullets and used water cannon on the hooligans who fought running battles in the streets of the Polish capital.

The trouble flared during a march by 5,000 Russian fans observing a national day that marks the end of the Soviet Union.

A group of Polish football fans beat a Russian supporter during clashes between the two sets of rivals

In similar incidents nearby the stadium more sets of Polish fans target a Russian outside the stadium

Police were forced to stand guard during the match and even used a water cannon and rubber bullets to deter more violence

Polish plain clothes policemen detained a number of fans as battles broke out in the streets

Punches, bottles and missiles were thrown despite the attentions of 6,000 officers. The Poles are said to have used a bridge to ambush their rivals.
 
‘It was just a free for all and a disgrace,’ said one eyewitness. ‘Innocent people were running and screaming just to get away from these men who behaved like animals. 

A Russian soccer fan fights with a Polish supporter, right, in Warsaw

 

A Polish soccer fan lies on the ground after clashing with Russian supporters