French riot police Wednesday charged groups of rowdy, chanting English soccer fans ahead of England’s Euro 2016 game against Wales on Thursday.
French riot police arrest 36 rowdy soccer fans in Lille
At least 36 people were arrested while a total of 16 people were also hospitalized throughout the day.
Kicking off in Lille. Tear gas, spray and flash bangs being used.
England fans, please stay safe, don't get us kicked out please.— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) June 15, 2016
The police used tear gas and acoustic grenades to suppress the supporters.
Many locals near the central Flandres train station were caught up in the situation as police managed to split the groups as more than 100 England fans were dispersed.
Tear gas fired, huge numbers running #Lille pic.twitter.com/ZKiTej8VrF— Tom White (@tomwhite7) June 15, 2016
Police were in large numbers in Lille as Russia, who have been sanctioned by governing body UEFA after some of their fans caused chaos in Marseille in clashes with England supporters, faced Slovakia earlier on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the chief executive of the Football Association, Martin Glenn, has renewed his appeal for fans to behave responsibly after Thursday’s match against Wales, in the wake of chaotic scenes in Lille.
“I think the message to all English fans, Welsh fans too, [is] the French are trying to deal with a real security threat, Behave responsibly, come and enjoy the game but just have a think about the wider position. Show some consideration and respect,” Martin Glenn told the BBC
England take on Wales in Lens, 40 kilometres from Lille.