Two England fans shot and wounded in Slovakia on the eve of the team's opening Euro 2004 qualifier were recovering today after their ordeal.
One was shot in the neck, the other in the leg, across the square from the England team hotel. The incident, which occurred just after midnight stunned England supporters and led to fears of violence in the build-up to tonight's match.
Today a British Embassy spokeswoman said the man shot in the leg had left hospital and the other fan was also "OK".
"My information from the police is they are both OK, in fact I have spoken to the fan who was shot in the leg. He has gone to his hotel but will see the doctor again later, to have the leg checked," Katarina Stryckova said.
"I can also say the investigation is going well though I cannot give you any more details at present."
Fans told how they were rushed by at least one gunman as they emerged from a bar across from the Carlton Radisson Hotel where the England team are staying.
Up to 6,000 England fans are expected in Bratislava for the match, 4,000 with tickets, the others trying to snap them up on the black market. A number of England players, whose rooms were facing the square, were aware of the gun shots.
Paul Newman, head of communications for the Football Association, said today: "A lot of people in the hotel were aware of the gunshots, including a number of the players and some FA staff who were up at that time, in their rooms facing the square.
"Our concern is for the welfare of these fans and what their condition is. We understand their condition is improving, which is obviously very good news."
"At no stage was security of the England team compromised, it's just that the hotel was used as a refuge for these fans.
In addition to the troubles in Bratislava, 10 England fans were arrested in Prague overnight after severe damage was caused to a lap dancing bar, the National Criminal Intelligence Service said.
Twelve England fans have also been turned back from various British ports and airports over the last 48 hours and four refused entry to Prague.
PA