Vandals wreak destruction in central Budapest ahead of Hungary-Romania soccer match – VIDEO, PHOTOS

Budapest, September 4 (MTI) – Overnight on Friday, soccer hooligans wreaked havoc and destruction in the central area of Budapest around Deak Square and Erzsebet Square ahead of a European Champions match.

Related article:
MATCH OF THE YEAR – HUNGARY-ROMANIA MATCH IN THE STADIUM AND OUTSIDE

MTI’s correspondent at the site said police in large numbers moved in to seal off the area.

The vandals — reportedly skinheads wearing black — damaged several police vehicles, breaking windscreens and slashing tyres. They took chairs from nearby bars and used them to smash police cars.

Several were arrested in the area and around Liszt Ferenc Square.

Police have said they will brief journalists later.

MTI received information that clashes between rival fans also happened in the City Park.

Police say that legal proceedings have been started against 18 people; 16 of them face charges for vandalism and two for assault on a police officer, a national police headquarters (ORFK) spokesperson told a news conference on Friday.

Up to 120 people went on the rampage from Dob Street towards Erzsebet Square, damaging police vehicles. One policeman sustained minor injuries.

A special ORFK investigation unit has been formed to examine the events and identify further possible suspects, the spokesperson said.

Photo: MTI, ultrasliberi.hu

Source: http://mtva.hu/hu/hungary-matters