Nine fans in hospital, five arrested after Rome clashes

Roma fans cheer on their team as they play Dynamo Kiev during their Champions League Group F match at Rome´s Olympic Stadium, September 2007. Nine people ended up in hospital and five were arrested following clashes between Roma and Manchester United fans at the Stadio Olympico, Italian news agency Ansa reported.

      ROME (AFP) - Nine people ended up in hospital and five were arrested following clashes between Roma and Manchester United fans at the Stadio Olympico here, Italian news agency Ansa reported on Thursday.

      Seven Manchester United fans and two Roma fans were taken to hospital, most believed to be due to stabbing incidents, but none of them were in a serious condition, Ansa said.

      Of the five fans arrested, four were supporters of the English club and one a local.

      There were fears before the game that there would be a repeat of the violence that marred the match between the two teams last season but the incidents on Wednesday were generally less dramatic than back in March when Italian riot police baton-charged United fans inside the stadium.

      Both Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Roma coach Luciano Spalletti expressed their disappointment at the repeat of such violence.

      "This is something we hoped wouldn't happen. We wanted a quiet night and everyone to go home," said Ferguson.

      "These incidents are disappointing, I don't know all the details but I hope all the fans are okay."

      Spalletti suggested he thought the trouble was caused by United fans.

      "I was told that there were incidents but I don't know all the detials. I know that some Manchester United fans don't behave the way they should in the street," he said.

      "I don't know what triggered this but what I do know is that we've lost another opportunity to play a fair game and it's a shame that this behaviour is attached to this great sport."

      Groups of supporters threw bottles, chairs and tables at each other as fans packed bars close to the Stadio Olympico.

      There were reports of clashes on a bridge close to the stadium with police baton-charging both sets of fans to disperse the trouble-makers.