Police confirmed seven people have been hurt and 56 arrested in serious disturbances prior to the start of the Euro 2012 clash between Poland and Russia in Warsaw, according to the London DAILY MAIL. Trouble flared "despite an unprecedented security operation" in the Polish capital, with "a number" of separate incidents reported in the build-up to the clash at the National Stadium. A Warsaw police spokesperson said, "The police have arrested 56 people who are from both Poland and Russia, and seven people are being treated by doctors." The incident started when "several thousand Russians" had begun to cross the Vistula river toward the stadium, "flanked by riot police," but it got worse as group of "rival fans" began to provoke each other (DAILY MAIL, 6/12). The AP's Monika Scislowska reported that "Polish soccer hooligans" were seen attacking Russians, "who responded violently." Dozens of men beat and kicked each other with flares "exploding in their midst." AP journalists witnessed several people "lying injured and bleeding on the ground," with one appearing "seriously hurt." Fans of both teams were also seen "fighting and throwing stones" outside the stadium (AP, 6/12).
SHUT IT: The London DAILY MAIL reported that French standout Samir Nasri's "fierce celebration" after equalizing six minutes before the half against England was aimed at the French media. Nasri "wheeled away" in what appeared to be an angry celebration saying "shut up" and placing his index finger over his mouth while looking at the press box. Nasri told French TV Channel TF1, "I expressed my frustration"(DAILY MAIL, 6/12).
