Published: Today at 18:42
SCENES of ugly violence spilled onto the streets today as rival fans clashed ahead of a tense Euro 2012 match.
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Supporters of Russia and Poland attacked each other in running battles on the streets of Warsaw.
Gangs traded kicks and punches as riot police struggled to keep them apart.
Tensions have been mounting all day between the sets of fans.
A provocative march by thousands of Russian fans to mark their national day had to be halted after missiles were thrown.
About 6,000 police are on duty to keep them apart.
Polish fans on a bridge on the march route then tried to attack the Russian fans.
It is feared that when Russian fans spread from the march route later tonight before this evening’s game, trouble will get worse.
Initial reports say several people have been injured in the clashes.
In a separate incident, 50 Polish fans in masks attacked Russian fans in a Warsaw café.
The match always a security risk as Russia occupied Poland for more than a century and dominated it during the Cold War, after World War II.
The conservative Polish opposition condemned the march as a provocation, but it was approved by the authorities.
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