Irish fans arrested in Poznan

Soccer:Three Irish supporters were among 14 arrested in Poznan early this morning after dozens of riot police were dispatched to the Old Town square. The men were detained on suspicion of public order offences, vandalism and damage to property, but are not thought to have been involved in clashes with police that saw others arrested.

They are believed to have been with a large group of people from other countries when bottles, glasses and a lamp were smashed in a bar.

One Croat and 10 Poles were detained after violence broke out in Stary Rynek, where thousands of fans had spent the night enjoying largely good natured pre-match celebrations ahead of tonight’s Euro 2012 game against between Ireland and Croatia.

“This is an isolated incident,” said the mayor of Poznan at a press briefing this morning. “This kind of incident is not unusual with a gathering of this size and the fans’ behaviour has normally been excellent.”

It is understood some of the Polish men involved in clashes with police last night were supporters of local side Lech Poznan. On Friday, two Irish men were detained on arrival in Poznan, after being reported for abusive behaviour by airline staff.

Staff from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Poznan have been notified of both incidents involving Irish fans, but no charges have been brought as yet.