BOSNIA CELEBRATES TURKEY'S WIN AGAINST CROATIA

SARAJEVO, Bosnia (June 23,2008) – In the Bosnian capital Sarajevo and throughout Bosnia,in Mostar,Tuzla,Zenica,Bugojno... Turkey's win over Croatia in the Euro 2008 quarter finals,last weekend,sparked joyful celebrations and thousands of Bosnians came into the streets wrapped in Turkish flags and chanting Turkey and Allahu Akbar, or God is Great.Many more Bosnians drove around town in their cars, honking and cheering.

Police were struggling to prevent clashes between Bosnians and some Croatians living in Bosnia after thousands came into the streets of the southern town of Mostar after Turkey's win over Croatia in the Euro 2008 quarter finals.

Police had to use tear gas to keep rival groups apart as violent fans hurled stones and glass bottles at them.Gunshots were also reported during the unrest, but no weapon injuries were reported.


Bosnian soccer fans wave Turkish flags as they celebrate Turkey's win against Croatia in the southern town of Mostar, 2008. At least 15 people were injured on Sunday.


Bosnian policemen rush toward the rioting soccer fans in the southern Bosnian town of Mostar. At least 15 people were injured on Sunday when the police try to separate rioting soccer fans after Turkey beat Croatia in the Euro 2008 quarter finals.


Video: Bosnians celebrate Turkey's win against Croatia


The Croatians living in Bosnia always cheer on the national team of Croatia, which most of them consider as their homeland, while Bosnians generally support their opponents.

Bosnians also support Turkey in international competitions because of the ties going back to five centuries of Bosnia within the Ottoman Empire.
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