Fans turn to violence

Press, 1 June 1984, Page 30

Fans turn to violence

NZPA-AP Rome One man died when he fell off a truck, more than 30 people were taken to hospital and 50 people were detained by police in a rash of fighting and vandalism that accompanied the European championship soccer game between Roma and Liverpool. Three British fans were arrested on charges of stabbing an Italian, police said, and two people were seriously injured, one after being clubbed in the head, the other after being stabbed. The violence, which also included scattered vandalism, occurred after more

than 16,000 Britons arrived to watch Liverpool beat the home team in a penalty shoot-out. Police said 37 people, including one policeman, were admitted to hospital with injuries after the match. Most had minor cuts or bruises suffered during fights between fans near the stadium and were treated and released. Police reported picking up more than 50 people for rowdy behaviour after the game, and dispersed a group of angry Roma fans who smashed store windows in down-town Rome and attacked buses belonging to the British fans. Police said the three

Britons were arrested for allegedly stabbing an Italian near the central railway station shortly before the game began. One Briton was reported in serious condition at San Giacomo hospital. He had been stabbed in the right side and underwent emergency surgery, officials said. An 18-year-old Italian was also reported in a coma at San Camillo Hospital after being hit on the head by a thrown bottle. Officials said he was in “very grave condition.” Hospital officials said three Swiss citizens were beaten because they were apparently mistaken for Britons.