Soccer-Slovak police briefly detain German hooligans

BRATISLAVA, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Slovak police said on Thursday they briefly detained 42 German fans after a minor battle erupted following Slovakia's 4-1 defeat by Germany in a Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday.

Police said the Germany supporters were questioned after smashing a shop window near the stadium where the Group D match was played, and a policeman was taken to hospital with minor abrasions on his head.

"The fans were questioned about the attack and disorder. They were released after the questioning," police said in a statement.

An additional six fans were questioned after skirmishes with riot police inside the stadium during the game.

Dozens of German hooligans had been stopped at border crossings as they tried to travel to the match.

Last year German fans rioted with Slovak police after the teams had played in Bratislava.

((Reporting by Martin Dokoupil, editing by Ken Ferris; Reuters Messaging: martin.dokoupil.reuters.com@reuters.net; +421-2-5341 8402))

Keywords: SPORT SOCCER SLOVAKIA VIOLENCE