Scotland fans 'attacked by hooligans' in Ukraine
Several Scotland fans were injured after being set upon by a gang of local hooligans in Ukraine, supporters said today.
Fans said up to 300 local youths launched an “unprovoked” attack on members of the Tartan Army in Kiev.
The trouble broke out last night in the city’s Independence Square, ahead of tonight’s Euro 2008 qualifying match.
The Scottish Football Association said several Scots with broken bones and cuts. The exact number of supporters involved is unknown.
Approximately 3,000 Scottish fans are in Kiev for tonight’s match.
The SFA has praised the response of the Scotland fans who faced last night’s trouble.
Derek Kirkwood, security adviser to the SFA said: “The Scotland fans were absolutely magnificent, in that they did not react to the violence or provocation.
“They chose to walk away from the scene rather than get involved, and their behaviour was exemplary.”
But the footballing authority has warned Scottish fans in the country to remain on their guard.
The SFA said: “Following the incident, which was entirely unexpected, the SFA have advised fans to be careful in the city and to avoid any possible further provocation.”
A spokesman for the British Embassy in Kiev said he had heard about trouble in Independence Square, but did not know how many people were involved.
He was he was not aware of anyone who needed hospital treatment.
Scotland currently sit at the top of their Euro 2008 qualifying group after beating France 1-0 in Glasgow at the weekend.
Travelling fan Simon Johnston, a committee member of the Association of Tartan Army Clubs, was in Independence Square at the time of last night’s trouble.
He said around 300 Scots were enjoying themselves in the square at about 9.30pm local time when they were suddenly targeted by a similar number of chanting locals.
Johnston said: “It was a big group of Ukrainians, about 300 of them.
“They came out of nowhere from down a side street and all piled in.
“All the Scots scrpered, but a few guys, I think, got caught up. We heard there were ambulances there.”
Johnston said that, as far as he could see, the Scots had done nothing to provoke any trouble.
“It was the usual good-natured atmosphere with us,” he said.
“We were singing and dancing.
“The Ukrainian group seemed organised, they were shouting ‘Ukraine, Ukraine’.
“It’s the first time I have ever seen anything like it.”
Johnston said he did not hear of any subsequent clashes in the city.
Strathclyde Police have a senior officer in Ukraine, but he is not thought to have been in the area of last night’s trouble.
