Police fire warning shots in Utrecht football trouble

Police fired warning shots to break up gangs of angry Utrecht football fans following the club’s 2-6 thrashing by FC Twente on Sunday.


Trouble had first broken out during the game, leading the referee to halt play for a time.
Five police officers, including one mounted police officer, were injured after being hit by stones thrown by the rioters, news agency ANP said.
Utrecht’s new general director Wilco van Schaik, said the trouble was disappointing and frustrating. ‘We are going to sit round the table on Monday and evaluate events,’ he told reporters.
It is the second time this season that police have drawn their guns to break up football-related violence. Earlier this year, a group of Feyenoord fans attempted to storm the club’s offices, leading police to fire shots.
Police chiefs on Sunday called for a ban on away supporters at risky matches.

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