EURO 2008 BID: The main rivals of the Republic of Ireland and Scotland's joint bid to host the Euro 2008 championships suffered a further setback following violence at a football match in Switzerland. At the weekend there were riots at a game in Austria and this time the trouble erupted at a match in Switzerland, with one policeman receiving injuries after officers fired rubber bullets.
Co-bidders Austria and Switzerland have been rocked by the violence. They promoted their bid on the basis that the countries were the safest and most peaceful in the world. Organisers also stressed the need for effective security at matches as a major factor in UEFA decision-making.
Fighting broke out on Wednesday night at the Allmend stadium in Lucerne between home fans and hooligans from FC Zurich. Around 30 Zurich troublemakers aimed fireworks at police and FC Lucerne supporters outside the ground. Sticks, bottles and stones were also thrown.
Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds, with one officer suffering a leg wound and three rioters receiving facial injuries. Several cars were also damaged. It is understood the troublemakers from Zurich were known to the police and action is expected to be taken against them. It is thought the battle may have been pre-arranged. FC Zurich won the match 3-1.
Last weekend, a friendly match between Austrian team Rapid Vienna and English champions Arsenal had to be abandoned after a riot by home fans. The players left the field after 20 minutes when Austrian hooligans clashed with police in Eisenstadt. Fans were said to have hurled flares, chairs and even barbecue equipment at officers.
Rapid Vienna officials admitted the violence was damaging and promised to take action against the culprits.
The Scottish Football Association declined to comment on the internal affairs of rival bidders.
Meanwhile, Swedish club Hammarby could face a fine from UEFA for failing to prevent unruly fans hurling smoke bombs onto the pitch during Wednesday's 1-1 Champions League second qualifying round draw with Partizan Belgrade.
Four smoke bombs were thrown onto the Resunda pitch in Stockholm by Partizan supporters, the first just before kick-off and the rest during the match. Despite the fact the disruption was caused by the visiting fans, UEFA insist the home club bear responsibility for any incidents that threaten the security of players and officials.
A UEFA official had even threatened to take the players from the field while police removed three Partizan fans from the stands. Hammarby vice-chairman Henrik Appelqvist said a report was being prepared for UEFA.
"I spoke to the UEFA official. He said he that we would have to report that objects were thrown onto the pitch, but also that Hammarby did all they could to prevent it," said Appelqvist. "The official didn't say if we'd get a fine but you never know. We are going to have to talk to our security personnel about how it happened."
Greece and Turkey, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, Austria and Switzerland, and Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden have all submitted joint bids to host Euro 2008, while Hungary and Russia have submitted solo bids.
