A B C D
E F G H
Hoddle says English fans were provoked
LONDON (AP) -- England soccer coach Glenn Hoddle says English fans were not to blame for the violence that marred his team's World Cup soccer qualifier against Italy in Rome eight days ago."Some of the experiences they had to go through were incredible," he said Saturday. "Some of my friends were held on coaches (buses) and the heaters were turned on.
"The provocation the England fans had was incredible."
English officials have accused Italian police of overreacting and using excessive force against English fans before, during and after the game. The Italians have accused the English fans of provoking the trouble.
"The problems in the stadium were not down to England fans," Hoddle said on BBC Television. "I'm glad I have been asked about this because, at the end of the day, the fans haven't got a voice and I need to say this.
"I have heard that people, some of whom were on their first trip abroad to watch England, have said that they will not be travelling again after their experiences in Rome. But we need that support if we are going to be successful in France next year. They have been magnificent throughout the tournament and we need them at the finals."
England qualified for the 1998 World Cup in France by tying Italy 0-0. Italy must play Russia in a two-leg playoff for a last chance to qualify.
NEXT ROUNDS: Round of 16 || Quarter-finals || Semi-finals
GROUP A: Brazil, Morocco, Norway, Scotland
GROUP B: Austria, Cameroon, Chile, Italy
GROUP C: Denmark, France, Saudi Arabia, South Africa
GROUP D: Bulgaria, Nigeria, Paraguay, Spain
GROUP E: Belgium, Holland, Mexico, South Korea
GROUP F: Germany, Iran, United States, Yugoslavia
GROUP G: Colombia, England, Romania, Tunisia
GROUP H: Argentina, Croatia, Jamaica, Japan