- Associated Press - Friday, June 15, 2012

WARSAW, POLAND (AP) - Polish leaders hope the justice system will deal more harshly with soccer hooligans during the European Championship.

Poland and Russian fans clashed with each other and police before and during the match between the two countries Tuesday. A few dozen people were injured and police arrested 184 people, mostly Poles. But officials are bracing for more trouble when thousands of Russians are expected in Warsaw for the Greece-Russia match Saturday.

Courts have convicted some in fast-track trials in past days, but many were given suspended sentences. Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski appealed Friday to justice officials to deal decisively with “hooligan banditry.” President Bronislaw Komorowski said late Thursday that Poland needs “more severe sanctions.”

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