Romanian soccer fans set bleachers on fire

May 10, 1997
Web posted at: 10:26 p.m. EDT (0226 GMT)

BUCHAREST, Romania (CNN) -- Minutes before two long-time rival soccer teams were about to kick-off in Bucharest, fans set fire to the stadium stands, destroying 700 seats. Police evacuated 2,000 fans to find the culprits and arrested 30 teen-agers. No one was seriously injured.

Soccer violence has become a recurring problem in Romania in the seven years since the Communists fell from power. Police and soldiers were stationed at the Steaua stadium in anticipation of violence.

Steaua, the traditional military team, and Dinamo Bucharest, representing the police, have a long history of rivalry and frequent clashes between their supporters. Steaua now leads Romania's first division.

Reuters contributed to this report.

 

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