Safety and Security Recent Incidents: June 24

A roundup of recent headlines in the safety and security industry from our friends at the National Center of Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4).

Croatia Apologizes for Nazi Swastika

The Croatian Football Federation faces punishment after a swastika was etched into the field where the Croatian national team was playing a match against the Italian national team. 

Officials believe that the perpetrators snuck onto the field about 24 to 48 hours before the match began and made the symbol with some kind of chemical agent. 

After issuing an apology, a spokesman for the Croatian Football Federation said the team has contacted police and judicial bodies to seek out those who committed the act. 

[The Washington Post]

Five Arrested Over Leicester City and West Brom Fans' Clash

Five people from Leicestershire were arrested after being suspected of participating in violence with rival football fans.

The men range in age from 18 to 41 and have been questioned about a brawl that happened outside of a pub between fans of Leicester City and West Brom.

The men were arrested after officials conducted raids to find those who they believe were part of the violence. 

[Leicester Mercury] 

Violence Stops Final in Uruguay

A match between rivals Nacional and Penarol was stopped after violence between fans got out of control. 

Fans fought with riot police and ripped seats out of the stadium and threw them towards the pitch. 

An ambulance parked on the side of the pitch had to drive onto the field to escape being hit by objects. 

[Reuters]

World Cup Fans Batoned in Street Battle

Italian police baton-charged a group of England fans who threw bottles at them. 

Before the incident with police, the England fans were seen at bars around the area taunting and trying to provoke Irish fans. 

This happening comes after German fans were teargassed due to a riot between German and Yugoslav fans in Milan. Thirty people were arrested in that incident. 

[Sport Italia 90]

Malawian Football Fan Dies Following Assault

A 24 year old Malawian football fan died due to head injuries he sustained in post-game violence following a Super League match involving Surestream FC and Malawi Defense Force side Red Lions.

Trouble began when a Red Lions player assaulted a referee after being unhappy about a penalty call. 

Surestream fans then filtered out of the stadium and destroyed the Red Lion bus. This is the second death from football violence in Malawi in two years. 

[BBC]