Five arrested over football violence in Turkey

Turkish police stand guard in front of Istanbul's Blue Mosque in May 2005. Turkish police in Diyarbakir arrested five people over violence during a first division game at the weekend which left some 30 people injured.

Police in this southeastern Turkish city arrested five people over violence during a first division game at the weekend which left some 30 people injured.

The five men were picked up after police identified them as among the troublemakers from video footage of the fighting in Sunday's game between bottom-of-the-table home team Diyarbakirspor and Konyaspor, currently placed ninth.

They were accused of damaging public property and resisting security forces.

More people could be arrested over the incidents, the sources said.

Television footage showed spectators dismantling plastic seats and throwing them onto the pitch before a group of fans broke through the fence and ran onto the field, aiming at the referee and the visiting team, which was leading 1-0.

The referee was forced to suspend the game in the 87th minute.

The unrest continued outside the stadium as fans hurled stones at the police, who retaliated with tear gas and fired warning shots in the air.

About 30 people, most of them policemen, were hurt, including some who were hospitalized, but no one was in serious condition, police sources said.

Stadium violence is not rare in football-mad Turkey, and bloody incidents between rival fans, notably during derby matches, are frequent.

Earlier this month, FIFA slapped heavy penalties on Turkey for violence that marred their November World Cup qualifier against Switzerland.

Turkey were ordered to play their next six official home games behind closed doors at a neutral venue and pay a fine of 200,000 Swiss francs. Three Turkish players were suspended.