England vs Netherlands: Fans involved in violent clashes with riot police ahead of Nations League semi-final
Fans were seen clashing in Porto’s Liberdade Square
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Your support makes all the difference.England fans were injured after becoming involved in violent clashes with riot police in Porto on Wednesday night ahead of the Nations League semi-final against the Netherlands.
Riot police launched a baton charge at England’s travelling supporters after bottles were allegedly thrown between sets of England and Portuguese supporters when Cristiano Ronaldo scored to put the host nation 1-0 ahead against Switzerland.
One fan is said to have been injured after falling on broken glass, another was hit by an airborne bottle, and a third was pictured with a baton wound on his back.
Police responded by running at the group of congregated fans in a bid to clear them.
A statement released by Deputy Chief Constable Mark Roberts, Nations Police Chiefs’ Council Football Policing Lead said: “Earlier this evening Portuguese police deployed riot officers against a group of England fans in the Main Square area of Porto. It is believed the fans had been throwing bottles at Portugal fans who were watching the match in the same area.
“This is the second evening in a row where disorder has occurred in Porto. Last night there were issues outside a bar, where bottles were thrown and minor damage was caused. It is completely unacceptable.
“The behaviour we are witnessing is incredibly disappointing and again I would point fans towards the recent video from the FA – ‘Don’t be that idiot’. The behaviour of a small number of the England fans out here continues to tarnish the reputation of the genuine fans who are simply trying to enjoy the football.”
England are due to play the Netherlands on Thursday in the Nations League semi-final, 35 miles away from Porto in Guimaraes.
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