Finnish police arrest 48 after major football supporter clash

Finnish police have arrested 48 people following a large street brawl in the city of Lahti that is believed to have involved football supporters, according to Yle.

The clashes occurred in the center of the southern Finnish city on July 11. Police received the first reports of a major street fight shortly after midday local time.

Witnesses from a local bar said some of the young men arrived at the square wearing balaclavas. The rival groups reportedly threw smoke bombs and chairs taken from outdoor terraces. A window at the bar was smashed, while glass was also broken on a balcony of an apartment overlooking the square.

Following police intervention, 48 people were detained, most of them Finnish nationals. Those arrested also included one citizen each of Poland, Italy, Austria, and Liechtenstein.

Police preliminarily believe those involved in the violence were supporters of Finnish football clubs HJK and FC Lahti, which were scheduled to play at a local stadium later that evening.

Law enforcement officials said they would continue monitoring the situation in the city after the match.

By Jeyhun Aghazada