I think I've been shot

TWO England soccer fans last night described the horrifying moment when they were gunned down by security guards outside a city centre bar.

Phil Holland and Gareth Jones, both 30, were wounded as they walked away from a pub on the eve of last night's Euro 2004 qualifier in Slovakia, which England won 2-1.

Father-of-one Phil was shot in the knee, while Gareth suffered a serious neck wound. Two security guards were under arrest last night as police hunted a third.

The shooting happened yards from the England team's hotel in Bratislava. Police said trouble broke out after fans tried to pull their own pints of beer in the bar. Three security guards were called in and they opened fire.

But fans said they were rushed by one gunman as they emerged from the bar - and after the drama 16 spent cartridge cases were found on the floor.

Phil, a self-employed tiler from Worcester, had travelled to Slovakia with four friends. He said: "We were walking towards a nightclub when we heard some shots being fired. We all moved away from the noise, but then I suddenly realised I'd been shot."

Hotel guests, including Football Association chief Adam Crozier and other officials, heard the shots and went to investigate.

They saw Coventry fan Gareth lying in the doorway with blood pumping from his neck after one of the bullets ricocheted into him from part of the building.

His friend Andy Harvey, also from Coventry, said: "We were walking towards the hotel where the England team are staying after midnight, looking for a taxi.

"There was a slanging match between England and Slovakia fans, then six shots rang out. We ran for it, but Gareth pulled up, saying: 'I think I've been shot'. I managed to get him into the hotel where someone knew first aid."

Paramedics battled to control Gareth's bleeding as angry England fans shouted at security staff and police for failing to protect them. The FA's Mr Crozier said: "We heard gunshots in the hotel and came straight down. The fans came to the hotel looking for cover."

Yesterday Gareth, a self-employed courier from Wyken, Coventry, underwent emergency treatment to remove the bullet.

His parents, David and Margaret Jones, flew out to see him last night. Mr Jones said: "Gareth seems OK. He is more concerned about being in a foreign hospital a long way from home."

And Phil's wife Angie, 33, said: "After this, I don't want him going abroad to support England."

More trouble erupted at the match last night when England fans were injured in clashes with riot police after reacting to Slovakia supporters' racist taunts at England's black stars Emile Heskey and Ashley Cole. Rival fans also threw seats at the 6,000-strong England contingent.

Elsewhere, three England fans were arrested at the Forum Hotel before kick-off. And in Prague, 10 England fans were arrested after damaging a lap-dancing bar.

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