Euro 2016: Northern Ireland and Poland fans ATTACKED by hooligans ahead of match in Nice
VIOLENCE erupted in Nice after Northern Irish and Polish fans were attacked by local hooligans last night.
Northern Ireland and Poland fans clash with Nice hooligans.mp4
Nice ‘ultras’ started brawls with travelling fans ahead of Northern Ireland’s clash with with Poland today, according to witnesses.
Glasses were hurled as thugs fought on the streets while riot police battled to control the situation.
Both sets of fans had earlier been applauded for singing together and sharing selfies ahead of the fixture in the Allianz Riviera stadium.
Northern Ireland fans were attacked by local 'ultras'
French security allowed Nice ultras to walk into crowd and initiate the riot
Northern Irishman Alex Sloan witnessed the “terrible scenes” and condemned French police after they allegedly allowed the hooligans to spark the riot.
He tweeted: “Terrible scenes in #Nice. French security allow #Nice ultras to walk into crowd & initiate riot. #GAWA
“Riots in stark contrast to friendly atmosphere between #GAWA & #Poland fans this eve. Serious questions for French security.”
French police allegedly allowed hooligans to start brawling
Thousands of Poland and Northern Ireland fans are in the city ahead of the match, which kicks off at 5.00pm.
Heavily armed police are on the French streets as the country is on high alert against any terrorist threats.
The clashes came on a third day of violence at the tournament after England fans were attacked by hordes of Russian supporters.
Two England supporters are critically injured following vicious street fighting ahead of yesterday’s game – one of which was hit with an iron bar.
At least 29 others had lesser injuries.
It comes after England fans were charged at by Russian thugs after their 1-1 draw
Two fans are in a critical condition following the clashes before the game
The fighting marks a third day of violence at the tourament
Fighting also broke out in the stadium after the match as Russian thugs charged at England supporters.
Northern Ireland and Poland are joined in Group C by world champions Germany and Ukraine.