DENMARK: FOOTBALL FAN IN STABBING INCIDENT

(17 May 2000) Danish/Nat

An Arsenal football fan was stabbed as British and Turkish soccer fans clashed outside bars in Denmark early on Wednesday.

It was hours before the UEFA Cup final between Galatasaray of Turkey and the English club Arsenal.

Police said the fighting that broke out on a main Square in Copenhagen will not affect the security operation for the game, which is already Denmark’s most extensive ever in connection with a soccer match.

Eight people were injured, including a British fan who suffered a head wound and a police officer.

Four Britons and four Turks were arrested.

But fans arriving in Copenhagen from both Britain and Turkey were not put off by the incident.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
» Not at all. Hopefully it is an isolated incident these things happen, its no worse to the west end on a Saturday night in London. I follow my club at the end of the day and enjoy myself. I’ll just be careful and watch what I do. So I’m not worried. I book my ticket for the game I’m not going to miss it.»
SUPER CAPTION: Arsenal Fan, Vox Pop

SOUNDBITE: (English)
» (man)Not at all. Its a bit late, I heard about it on the way to the airport. (woman)It is an isolated incident though. (man) We’re not put off at all.»
Q: If you were offered money back not to travel today would that have made a difference?
A: No, just here to watch the game and have a good time.»
SUPER CAPTION: Arsenal Fans, Vox Pop

SOUNDBITE: (English)
«I didn’t know, I now nothing about that.»
SUPER CAPTION: Galatasaray fan, Vox Pop

SOUNDBITE: (English)
» No everything is funny and nice and tit will be a good event.»
SUPER CAPTION: Galatasaray fan, Vox Pop

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