A portion of Northern Ireland fans were drawn to violence with local youths tonight ahead of their group opener with Poland tomorrow, after being attacked near the city centre.
French riot police were forced to move in and intervene after youths from Nice flung bottles at Northern Ireland supporters. The ensuing violence followed some disgraceful altercations earlier this evening between fans in Marseille - both before and after England's Group B clash with Russia.
A Northern Irish police officer, who was accompanying the fans, told AFP:
About 20 to 30 Nice youths started throwing bottles at the Northern Ireland fans. Some bottles were thrown back, some punches were thrown.
French police arrived to contain the situation.
Northern Ireland fans clashing with Poland fans in Nice. ? pic.twitter.com/3Fh84bmyxc
— The Away Fans (@theawayfans) June 11, 2016
It's being reported in France that Polish fans may also have been involved in the violence, but both they and their Northern Irish counterparts had been socialising together before being targeted by a group of local ultras.
As clarification to Nice violence, it appears to be that both NI and Polish fans are involved but more with local Ultras than each other.
— NI Football Daily (@NIFootballDaily) June 11, 2016
I've been sitting in Nice just a few feet away from loads of Polish fans for several hours and not seen a hint of trouble. #NIR #POL #GAWA
— Alex Keery (@Alex_Keery) June 11, 2016
French media and fans here in Nice say https://t.co/wmJEMcaOfq fans and Poles getting along well, then attacked by locals. #NIR #POL #GAWA
— Alex Keery (@Alex_Keery) June 11, 2016
Northern Irish fans attacked in Nice this eve - by about 50 men dressed in black - this is coordinated clearly #5live
— Tim A Roberts (@Tim_A_Roberts) June 11, 2016
Over 10,000 Northern Ireland fans are estimated to have made the trip to the south of France.
Riot police remained on the street, near the central Place Massena, after the violence had ceased.
[The42]
