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Footie fears

Euro ‘16 terror debacle as explosive devices spark alarm inside the Stade de France

Security on high alert after stadium clash ahead with international football tournament just weeks away

Stade de France

EURO 2016 security plans were thrown into chaos when fights erupted and explosive devices were smuggled into France’s showpiece soccer stadium.

Deafening firecrackers and smoke bombs sparked alarm inside the Stade de France.

Stade de France
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Security fears ... firecrackers and smoke bombs sparked alarm inside Stade de France

Police also used tear gas on fighting fans stuck  in hour-long queues caused by a “ring of steel” on trial at the French Cup Final between Paris St- Germain and Marseille.

French Cup Final
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Hostile environment ... the French Cup Final between Paris St- Germain and Marseille saw trouble flare up between rival supporters

Eights arrests were made for violent disorder.

The outer secure zone has only four entrances and experts said metal fences would “cause potentially lethal bottlenecks and be a suicide bomber’s dream”.

Velodrome
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Lying in wait ... the Velodrome Stadium in Marseille, where England are due to play Russia in the European Championship

 

Paris attacks
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Grim reminder ... the chaos during the French Cup Final was reminiscent of the Islamic State attacks in Paris in 2016

IS targeted the Paris stadium last November.

Explosions at Saturday’s anti-terror test game were mistaken for another attack. The chaos comes just weeks before fans from Britain and Ireland go to France.

On June 11, England play Russia in Marseille.

Paris attacks
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Stepping up ... with so many fans from England and Ireland heading to France, security forces are on high alert in the hope of avoiding more tragedy in the French capital

Rioting broke out when the Three Lions last played there in 1998.

A racist British thug jailed then for organising  attacks on rival World Cup fans had vowed to return.

James Shayler, 50, of Wellingborough, Northants, was dubbed The Pig of Marseilles.

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