Dutch Police Battle Unruly Soccer Fans

Dutch police battled brick-hurling soccer fans who smashed windows and looted a toy store today prior to a World Cup soccer qualifying match between the Netherlands and West Germany.

Eight fans were arrested and an undetermined number injured in the clashes, which began in mid-afternoon as fans began arriving for the match at 8:15 p.m. local time in Feyenoord Stadium, according to police spokesman Ger de Jong.

About 500 rioting fans were being dispersed by police on horseback and riot-equipped officers making baton charges. In one instance, a police helicopter suddenly dived to within 30 feet above a group of marauding youngsters.

Dozens of store windows were smashed, De Jong said. Shopkeepers lowered steel blinds and boarded up windows in an effort to protect their property.

“It’s not really clear to us whether there’s a confrontation going on” between rival Dutch and West German fans, De Jong told The Associated Press.

Most fans in the downtown shopping area, where the rioting took place, wore Dutch team colors.