Feyenoord fans arrested before Roma clash

Reuters , Thursday 19 Feb 2015

Feyenoord fans
Supporters of Feyenoord cheer for their team before their Europa League round of 32 first leg soccer match against AS Roma at the Olympic Stadium in Rome February 19, 2015. (Photo: Reuters)

Twenty-two Feyenoord fans have been arrested and eight charged after trouble flared before the Dutch side's Europa League clash with AS Roma later on Thursday, Italian police said.

Drunken supporters damaged buildings and threw bottles at riot police on Wednesday night with trouble continuing on Thursday.

Hundreds of Feyenoord fans clashed with riot police at the Spanish Steps just before the game.

Police fired tear gas and tangled with supporters who left the square's Baroque fountain full of empty beer bottles.

Feyenoord "should make a public apology," said Livio Ricciardelli, a member of the city government, adding that repairs to the fountain at the bottom of the Spanish Steps would be costly.

"Feyenoord should pay for the damage," he said.           

In the last 24 hours 22 Feyenoord fans have been arrested and eight have been charged, mostly for resisting arrest, judicial sources said.

The eight charged were given six-month jail terms or they can pay a fine of 45,000 euros ($51,200), sources said.

"This violence is unacceptable," said Rome mayor Ignazio Marino on his Twitter account.

"I have filed a complaint and asked for an explanation to the people who should be taking care of public order in this city."

Around 6,500 Feyenoord supporters are expected to attend the last 32, first leg match at the Stadio Olimpico.

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