FRANCE: ST ETIENNE: FRENCH YOUTHS CLASH WITH ENGLISH SOCCER FANS

(30 Jun 1998) Natural Sound

North African French youths clashed with English fans at an outdoor screen showing a World Cup match in St Etienne on Monday night, on the eve of the England-Argentina game in the town.

Authorities stopped the screening of the Netherlands-Yugoslavia match at about 11 p-m (2100 GMT) as violence spread to the area around the stadium, where local youths burned several cars.

Police said at least ten people were arrested.

The North African French youths clashed with English soccer fans at an outdoor screening of the Netherlands-Yugoslavia match in St Etienne on Monday night.

The screening was stopped at about 11 p-m (2100 GMT) as violence spread to the area around the stadium.

At least ten people were arrested, including nine French people and one English person.

Police have a reinforced 1,600-member force for Tuesday's Argentina-England match in St Etienne when more trouble is feared.

There was no immediate word on injuries from the clashes.

A photographer was hit by a police baton after tripping over during the scuffles.

Police said the incident began when North African French youths, seeking to avenge clashes between English and Tunisian fans after a match in Marseille two weeks earlier, insulted and then attacked English fans.

The English fans fought back and riot police intervened, arresting ten people.

Police dogs were deployed to help maintain security.

Shortly before midnight, riot police cordoned off the downtown area, though local youths regrouped in some spots.

Several hundred English fans fought running street battles on June 15 in Marseille, south eastern France, with French-Tunisian youths and police, leaving scores injured.

As a result, security has been stepped up considerably at England matches.

Authorities fear England's match against Argentina on Tuesday in St Etienne could also be a flashpoint for hooligans from both countries.

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