German fans descended on Lens for their country's match against Yugoslavia, drinking through the day and fighting sporadically. But it was not until after the match that random violence turned into well-organized riot. It was then that thugs trapped Nivel and beat him with a metal signpost. A French court quickly sentenced three Germans to a year in prison for violent conduct. Two more were charged with the attempted murder of Nivel.
Prevention is better.
Germany's Interior Minister announced new controls to stop known trouble-makers from crossing into France. In Lens, bars were shut down before England's crucial Friday match with Colombia. French authorities hope a celebratory atmosphere can be maintained, but for now the bar is kept dry when trouble looms.