England fans arrested in Zurich

Twenty-five English football fans were arrested in Zurich after violent clashes ahead of England's game with neighbouring Liechtenstein.

One fan was taken to hospital after he was injured as officers attempted to quell the fighting with tear gas and rubber bullets.

A Zurich police spokesman was unable to confirm the condition of the 38-year-old man. He said the man sustained leg injuries, possibly from a bullet, and remained in hospital.

The violence happened as fans made their way to bars in the city centre.

Football supporters threw bottles at police as scores of officers attempted to control the crowd.

Up to 800 England supporters arrived in Switzerland on Friday ahead of Saturday's Euro 2004 qualifier.

A spokesman for Zurich police said: "The hooligans were breaking things and fighting. A lot of windows were smashed. We had the first call at 6pm. They were fighting and throwing bottles at police. Tear gas was used.

"The English were drinking a lot of alcohol. By 2am, it was all quiet."

The spokesman said a large number of the arrested had been released, but was unable to confirm whether any had been charged.

The game is being played at the world's smallest stadium certified to hold international matches. Only 900 seats have been allocated to English fans. Fans without tickets for the game would be turned away from the border, police said.

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