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The problem is Europe-wide: Radio Five were talking to German residents who all said that hooliganism is a lot worse on the average weekend, during normal league games, than anything during the World Cup; travelling fans from African countries are being given leaflets by the German authoriies advising them to stay away from certain areas; the regular levels of violence amongst Turkish and Italians fans are a very serious concern; racism and it's associated violence are regular occurences in most countries.
And of course there are the English hooligans - no attempt at denial here. We have a lot less of a problem here now than we did 15 years ago, although of course one hopes that any present offenders are suitably dealt with. Much progress has been made at barring people, but there still exists a determined, organised section who always manage to get through the controls.
The German Police issud a statement that it was some German 'fans' who initiated the chair-throwing, and a section of the thousands of English 'fans' retaiated. Understandably, the possibility of a thousand-strong crowd worried the German police, and they have taken action.
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