...And you thought the Pacers-Pistons brawl was bad

[timothy1997 0]

Video

BELGRADE, Serbia -- Four fans and two police officers were injured during a wild brawl before a basketball game between Red Star Belgrade and PAOK Thessaloniki.

The fighting broke out late Tuesday at the ULEB Cup game after fans of Red Star's local rival, Partizan, showed up to support the visiting Greek team, police spokeswoman Dragana Kajganic said.

About 100 Partizan fans and a few dozen PAOK supporters fought several hundred Red Star fans in the stands and on the court at the Pionir Sports Hall in the Serbian capital. Fans also tossed flares and plastic seats.

"One of the fans sustained serious injuries, including a fractured arm," Kajganic said, adding that several people were detained as suspected instigators of the violence.

She did not say which team's fans were injured.

Two police officers were injured while trying to keep the rival groups apart.

The start of the game was delayed for about 30 minutes. PAOK won 85-81.

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press

Since when do they give flares out as basketball games?? I must have missed that one.

[mannysBETTER3434 1]

Holy crap! Please just leave basketball to us Americans...

[Jwo 7]

Since when do they give flares out as basketball games?? I must have missed that one.

Flares are part of the fan support in sports culture in Europe, especially in Eastern Europe. They are used at football games,handball games,hockey games and basketball games.

The fans bring them to the games, light them up and sing songs to support their team.