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Poland fans clash with police ahead of Ukraine match

Tear gas
Image: Tear gas was used to quell fighting among Poland fans

Riot police used a water cannon and tear gas to disperse Poland fans ahead of Tuesday's Euro 2016 Group C match with Ukraine in Marseille.

Scuffles occured outside the Stade Velodrome following skirmishes in the city's Old Port area earlier in the day.

Police fired tear gas and detained at least two people after fans threw bottles and fought in the waterfront streets that were the scene of three days of violence involving Russian and English fans and French locals earlier in the tournament.

A fight believed to be between rival groups of hardcore Polish fans broke out but was quickly dealt with by police and the unrest quickly died down in the Old Port as the fans began walking toward the Stade Velodrome for the Group C match.

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"Ultra" Poland supporters hold a banner reading "Defenders of European culture"
Image: Poland fans march behind a banner reading 'Defenders of European culture'

Ukraine have already been eliminated from Euro 2016 after losing their first two matches. A draw would be enough to ensure qualification for Poland, who are second in Group C, behind Germany on goal difference.

A supporters lights a flare during the Euro 2016 group C football match between Ukraine and Poland
Image: A supporter lights a flare inside the stadium - away from the pre-match clashes - during the Euro 2016 group C clash

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