Hooligans run riot at top European soccer fixtures
Matches across the continent, including English FA Cup semi-final, are marred by violence
Tear gas, stun grenades and knuckle-dusters provided a grim, bloody backdrop as hooliganism returned to haunt Europe's top leagues at the weekend.
From London's showpiece Wembley Stadium to Munich's glittering Allianz Arena and at the 2004 Olympic Stadium in Athens, fans fought hit-and-run battles with riot police.
Fourteen fans were arrested and four police officers were hurt when Millwall fans started fighting among themselves as their team went down to a 2-0 defeat to Wigan in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
The fighting was witnessed by millions of people worldwide tuning into TV coverage of the sport's oldest cup competition.
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan said he was stunned by the violence that left some fans injured and children in tears.
"I can't understand why the Millwall fans would fight each other," said Whelan. "I understand if they want to fall out with the visiting team, but why would they fall out among themselves? It just gives football a very, very poor reputation."
In Munich, police warned of a "new dimension of violence" after 16 officers were injured and more than 60 supporters detained before champions Bayern Munich's match against Nuremburg. "There is no excuse for the behaviour," Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.