Police prevent planned German, English hooligan brawl

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Hamburg police said on Wednesday authorities had foiled a plan by English and German soccer hooligans to organise a mass brawl late on Tuesday in the city's red light district. German and British officers specialising in soccer violence had discovered the plan and some 100 Germans and about 150 English, who are in the country for Chelsea's Champions League match against Bremen on Wednesday, were detained. Ulrike Sweden, a spokeswoman for Hamburg police, told Reuters the men were so-called category C soccer fans, those who pre-arrange fights with rival hooligans. A search of the men had revealed items including telescopic truncheons, a hatchet and protective equipment such as shin guards. Sweden said 18 men, both Germans and English, remained in custody and investigations were continuing. "We don't expect any more trouble in Hamburg but we'll have to see what happens tonight in Bremen," she added. A spokesman for Bremen police said there had been no trouble involving soccer fans reported by 1030 GMT on Wednesday. "The situation seems calm so far but you never know what can happen if the alcohol starts flowing," the spokesman said. Ten mounted officers had been drafted in from Hanover to help in the policing operation, he added. About 150 police, including officers from Hamburg, Bremen, Dortmund and London, were involved in Tuesday's operation. Chelsea's Group A match against Bremen kicks off at 1945 GMT on Wednesday. Chelsea are top with 10 points and need a point from their last two games to be certain of a place in the last 16. Werder, with seven points, are realistically vying for second spot.