French riot police made nine arrests and were involved in a series of pitched battles with England football fans in Marseille as violence threatened to overshadow the country’s opening Euro 2016 game on Saturday.
On the eve of England’s first game in the European Championship at the city’s Stade Velodrome, riot police fired teargas repeatedly into large groups of fans who had gathered around the city’s old port.
The fans, many of whom had been drinking heavily for much of the day, responded by hurling bottles at the police as they marched towards them.
One man was seen being punched to the ground by a man wearing an England football top, seemingly without any provocation.
Later on Friday night police said the situation in Marseille city centre was “under control”.
Between clashes with the police, fans sang: “Fuck off Europe, we’re all voting out.” They also sang anti-IRA and anti-German songs before singing: “Sit down if you hate the French.”
The rioting started in the middle of the afternoon on Friday around the Queen Victoria pub, which was also the scene of violence on Thursday evening.
The clashes will raise serious concerns about the potential for further trouble on Saturday when England play Russia at 8pm BST.
Ian King, 53, a farmer who has travelled with his son Darcy, 18, to watch the game, said they had been teargassed three times during the day. “But there was no need for it,” he said. “Yes, the fans are boisterous and singing. But the French police react by marching in and firing off teargas.”
His son added: “It didn’t seem appropriate. The fans were just singing. The police are making it much worse than it needs to be.”
On Thursday night at least one England fan was arrested, with another being treated in hospital. One supporter sustained a head injury in the brawl after being hit across the face with a wooden chair.
The fight had broken out after 70 locals confronted England fans, according to the National Police Chiefs’ Council, which has been working with the French authorities to police English fans.
Police said one of the fans was arrested for assaulting a barman and another for violent disorder.
The Football Association said in a statement on Friday: “We are really disappointed by the scenes of disorder in Marseille yesterday evening and condemn such behaviour. It is in the hands of the authorities to identify those involved and deal with them appropriately.
“The FA urges supporters who are travelling to Marseille to act in a respectful manner and enjoy the match against Russia.”