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verde-rubro · 25-06-2004, 09:57 AM

Portugal Fans 'Held Hostage' in Norfolk Pub

A number of arrests were made following the disturbance last night

-- Euro 2004 coverage on AOL Sport

At least 10 people were arrested and a number of police officers injured in a disturbance outside a Portuguese-run pub.

Scores of terrified Portuguese soccer fans - including children - were escorted to safety by police in Thetford, Norfolk, after being besieged inside the pub by a mob for more than two hours.

Missiles, including bottles, were thrown at the town's The Red Lion pub, which is managed by a group of Portuguese businessmen, following England's Euro 2004 quarter-final defeat by Portugal.

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Earlier, around 120 people had gathered inside the pub to watch the match. Around 40 England fans mingled with about 80 Portugal supporters to watch the game on several television screens inside the pub.

But within minutes of England being defeated on penalties, a crowd gathered outside The Red Lion and began hurling missiles and attempting to get in.

At least a dozen police kept the crowd at bay for more than 30 minutes until reinforcements arrived from other parts of Norfolk. In total 50 police officers were deployed.

Order was eventually restored shortly after midnight - two hours after the game had finished.

What remained was a scene of destruction around the town's market square where The Red Lion is situated.

Many of the pub's windows were smashed and glass scattered around the floor.

Inspector Mike Brown said it would be several hours before accurate arrest figures could be gathered.

25-06-2004, 09:57 AM	#494 (permalink)
verde-rubro TS Member Favourite Team: Liverpool + Maritimo verde-rubro is Offline Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: LONDON Posts: 1,838 vCash: 3810 Rep: Rep Points: 796 Country:	Portugal Fans 'Held Hostage' in Norfolk Pub A number of arrests were made following the disturbance last night -- Euro 2004 coverage on AOL Sport At least 10 people were arrested and a number of police officers injured in a disturbance outside a Portuguese-run pub. Scores of terrified Portuguese soccer fans - including children - were escorted to safety by police in Thetford, Norfolk, after being besieged inside the pub by a mob for more than two hours. Missiles, including bottles, were thrown at the town's The Red Lion pub, which is managed by a group of Portuguese businessmen, following England's Euro 2004 quarter-final defeat by Portugal. Related Links AOL Sport: Euro 2004 England: Player profiles Play Euro 2004 Fantasy League Chat about the latest stories Have your say on the message board Earlier, around 120 people had gathered inside the pub to watch the match. Around 40 England fans mingled with about 80 Portugal supporters to watch the game on several television screens inside the pub. But within minutes of England being defeated on penalties, a crowd gathered outside The Red Lion and began hurling missiles and attempting to get in. At least a dozen police kept the crowd at bay for more than 30 minutes until reinforcements arrived from other parts of Norfolk. In total 50 police officers were deployed. Order was eventually restored shortly after midnight - two hours after the game had finished. What remained was a scene of destruction around the town's market square where The Red Lion is situated. Many of the pub's windows were smashed and glass scattered around the floor. Inspector Mike Brown said it would be several hours before accurate arrest figures could be gathered. __________________ Heroes of the sea, noble race, Valiant and immortal nation, Now is the hour to raise up on high once more Portugal's splendour. From out of the mists of memory, Oh Homeland, we hear the voices Of your great forefathers That shall lead you on to victory!