Germany fans arrested prior to Austria qualifier

Published Jun. 3, 2011 1:58 p.m. ET

foxsports

Austrian police have arrested 100 German fans for vandalism and other offenses ahead of a key 2012 European Championship qualifier.

Vienna police spokesman Roman Hahlinger said officers took the fans into custody on Friday afternoon after they began destroying property in a popular area of the Austrian capital packed with bars and clubs.

Hahlinger said hundreds of officers are patrolling Vienna's streets in an effort to maintain peace during the game.

Germany can secure a place at next year's championship with a win Friday against Austria, who have not won a match against their northern neighbor since 1986.