Post by Salem6 on Mar 15, 2006 10:22:22 GMT
Three Middlesbrough fans have been stabbed during violence ahead of the club's Uefa Cup clash in Rome, police have confirmed.
Cleveland Police said the attack came from an "organised gang of Italian thugs" who targeted two bars where the English fans were drinking.
The violence happened late on Tuesday as about 200 English fans gathered in Rome's central Campo de Fiori area.
In all 13 fans were hurt, although none of the injuries is life-threatening.
A 39-year-old man underwent surgery in Rome overnight and he remains in hospital for observation. An 18-year-old was also treated in hospital and was expected to be released on Wednesday.
Lighted flare
Italian Police with batons were brought in to break up the violence.
A spokesman for Cleveland Police, who have officers with Boro fans in Italy, said at one point a lighted flare was thrown into a bar where Middlesbrough fans, some in family groups, were drinking.
He said most English fans fled for safety, but some retaliated and tables and chairs were thrown as the violence worsened.
The spokesman said the injured supporters were aged between 16 and 55.
Cleveland Police officers toured hospital accident and emergency wards overnight to check no other supporters were injured.
It is thought a group of extremist Roma fans, known as Ultras, wearing scarves were involved. Reports said they were led by a man wielding an axe.
The club's chief executive Keith Lamb said: "Some Boro fans were drinking in a bar and were attacked by some Roma fans.
"A number of Boro fans have been injured - a small number - and taken to hospital and received medical treatment. "
Cleveland Police appealed for calm in the run up to the second leg of the cup tie, in which Boro lead 1-0.
Last year a Middlesbrough fan died after being stabbed outside a bar in Amsterdam, after travelling to watch his team in the Uefa Cup.
Brendan O'Connor, 36, of London, had joined friends to travel to Holland where his team were playing Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in November.
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tees/4808246.stm