Euro 2000 officials regret violence

Fears mount after violence in Copenhagen

The Euro 2000 organising committee has added its voice of concern following the violence which marred the Uefa Cup final between Arsenal and Galatasaray in Copenhagen.

Euro 2000 has long been highlighted as a potential battleground for thugs across Europe and fears have been heightened with England and Turkey facing a possible quarter-final clash if they qualify from their groups.

Michael van Schie, spokesman for the Euro 2000 organising committee, said: "We regret what happened in Copenhagen.

Ultimate responsibility

"But perhaps you should be addressing your questions about possible violence to the Dutch and Belgian governments.

"They have the ultimate responsibility for safety outside stadiums.

"We have been - and will remain - in close contact with both governments. It will be up to them if the Euro 2000 organising committee are to play a more active role.

At this moment, however, new measures would not seem necessary

Dutch Interior Ministry spokesman Hans Hameleers

"I know both the Dutch and Belgian police had representatives in Copenhagen.

"They were acting as observers and perhaps they may have learned some lessons from what happened there."

The Dutch Interior Ministry, one of the key organisers of Euro 2000, said it did not envisage increased security measures for the tournament.

Ministry spokesman Hans Hameleers said: "We envisaged a great number of possible scenarios, and before changing our provisions we want to know exactly what happened in Copenhagen.

"At this moment, however, new measures would not seem necessary."