British Soccer Fans Riot in Two West German Cities
West Germany and Italy scored victories at the European Soccer Championships Tuesday, a day marked by rioting in two West German cities by British fans.
In Dusseldorf, several hundred fans awaiting tonight’s game between England and the Netherlands rioted for the second consecutive night. Police arrested 18 and reported considerable damage near the main train station.
In Cologne, police announced 22 arrests late Monday and early Tuesday. English fans rioted downtown, tearing up streets, breaking store windows and smashing street lamps.
A police spokesman in Cologne said that several people were injured and required medical treatment after the “massive riot.”
Meanwhile, in Gelsenkirchen, West Germany recovered from its opening draw against Italy by beating Denmark, 2-0. Italy edged Spain, 1-0, in Frankfurt, joining the West Germans at the top of Group 1 with three points each.
Italy and West Germany need only a tie each to reach the semifinals. Today, Ireland will play the Soviet Union and the Netherlands will play England. The potentially explosive game between the Dutch and English has generated extensive security measures.
About 7,000 English and 22,000 Dutch fans are expected, and 2,300 officers will be on hand.
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