England supporters arrested in Amsterdam ahead of friendly
Dutch police rounded up 25 England supporters who were allegedly involved in violent clashes in Amsterdam ahead of Friday's friendly between England and the Netherlands.
The "drunken" supporters have been accused of various offences including throwing beer bottles at officers, according to a statement from the Amsterdam police force, as translated by BBC Sport.
Footage emerged online Friday showing a group of English fans standing on a bridge and throwing beer glasses and bottles down at an approaching boat as it traveled down a canal in the Dutch capital. After the boat passed, one man dropped a bicycle into the canal.
England fans in Amsterdam #EnglandAway pic.twitter.com/yxlKlmDuVV
— Football Away Days (@footyawayday) March 23, 2018
Another video shows a man removing his shirt before launching himself into the canal to the delight of cheering supporters.
England fan jumping in the Red Light District canal in Amsterdam just now 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/6Z9Rw8aAfn
— Football is War (@Football_isWar) March 22, 2018
Disturbances in Amsterdam come a day after England manager Gareth Southgate called on the 5,253 traveling supporters to behave themselves abroad.
“I think it’s important that our fans come and enjoy the game, that they support us in the right way,” Southgate said, according to the Guardian. “But I would strongly urge them to behave in the right way and respect our opponents and the country they’re in. They are representing our country in the same way we are. They will be the mirror of our country that people in Holland look at.”
Two years ago, England supporters caused similar disturbances in France during Euro 2016. They were also involved in a series of violent clashes with Russian fans.
The English national team will compete in the World Cup this summer in Russia, despite some calls for the country to boycott the tournament.
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