Scuffles have broken out in Trafalgar Square on Armistice Day as thousands of football fans descended on the capital ahead of the England v Scotland World Cup qualifier.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7-E8GIUCsc
Blood pouring from one fan’s leg covered a Saltire flag as paramedics attended a concussion, while at least one fan was taken by ambulance from the scene where thousands of Scotland fans had gathered.
Blue flare smoke hung in the air and the sound of breaking glass could be heard, as police pulled away a group of England fans who looked ready to fight with a handful of Scotland supporters.
Scotland fans in Trafalgar Square today! ??? pic.twitter.com/gCJmKmLIkT
— Footy Away Days (@FootyAwayDays_) November 11, 2016
Trafalgar Square is absolutely bouncing with Scotland fans!!! Come on!! pic.twitter.com/vOIbDrOgY8
— Steven Cree (@MrStevenCree) November 11, 2016
The rowdy scenes were in contrast to earlier in the day, when hundreds of Scottish fans joined crowds in the square to stand silent at 11am in remembrance of the fallen in wars.
Fans in the central London square sang songs and waved flags, with many climbing onto Nelson’s Column and chanting.
To Trafalgar Square pic.twitter.com/6h5W9QbeUR
— James Dart (@James_Dart) November 11, 2016
There had been no arrests as of 4.30pm, the Metropolitan Police said, but there was a considerably increased police presence in the square.
Public toilets had to be closed at 4.30pm due to deliberate damage such as equipment being kicked and tiles being pulled off, police and workers said.
