Thoughts From a Wandering Soul, Now in the Charm City

British fans and Polish fans are know through out the world football world as being some of the most violent fans.   I could tell stories about watter cannons and Polish football fans in Krakow.   Here is a story that might interest you.

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: June 24, 2006

STUTTGART , Germany (AP) -- German police arrested 122 English fans who had been throwing bottles and glasses at passers-by from a pub terrace early Saturday.

Arriving officers also became targets of what they described as drunken fans in town for their team's World Cup second-round match against Ecuador on Sunday. Eventually the disturbance involved about 200 police, including British officers who helped calm their compatriots.

No one was injured, according to police spokesman Stefan Keilbach, who said police intend to hold the fans until Monday.

''English fans were shown by this action that aggressive drinking, violence and mobbing will be prevented,'' Stuttgart police chief Michael Kuehner said in a statement.

About 50,000 England fans are expected in Stuttgart for the match. They will be greeted with a heavy police presence -- about 1,800 officers on patrol along with British police.

Stephen Thomas, an assistant chief constable from Manchester and part of the British contingent, said Friday he was optimistic that there would be no major fan violence.

''You will not see any English hooligans here in Stuttgart -- what you will see is English drunks,'' he said. ''I apologize now for that, but it is very good for the economy.''