The violence that has marred the Italian game flared
again in Rome last night as two Arsenal fans were injured when the
coach taking them to the Stadio Olimpico was attacked by Roma
supporters before the match. One of the Arsenal supporters was
stabbed in the leg, according to reports. One Roma fan was
arrested.
The coach carrying Arsenal supporters, who had travelled
independently but had tickets, came under a hail of stones thrown
by a group of Roma “Ultras” as it was approaching the stadium.
Windows were smashed and at least one Roma fan entered the vehicle,
in which a flare was let off. The two wounded Arsenal fans were
“lightly injured”, police said, and had refused an offer of
transport to hospital for treatment. They received on-the-spot aid
from paramedics.
Arsenal said last night that in addition to the coach incident
there were two other attacks that left fans with head injuries. “We
deplore the incidents as the safety of our supporters is our
highest priority,” a statement from Arsenal and the Metropolitan
Police, which sent officers to Rome, said.
In a separate incident, police said two Arsenal fans, described
as “completely drunk”, were arrested for vandalism on Via Veneto in
the city centre. The supporters were taken to a police station,
where one attempted to escape but was caught. A policeman was
injured in the scuffle with the fan. Police also said that an
Arsenal supporter was stopped from entering the stadium after he
was found to be carrying a small hammer. He is likely to be charged
with carrying an offensive weapon, but had not been arrested.
Arsenal had stated their fears before the match of the
possibility of incidents outside the stadium because of the Ultras’
reputation for violence. Sixteen Manchester United supporters were
stabbed in the city when the English side faced Roma twice in the
Champions League two years ago.
Uefa had threatened to relocate this season’s Champions League
final on May 27 away from the Italian capital if trouble persisted.
Extra police were drafted to ensure the safety of the 3,000 Arsenal
fans, with police vans surrounding the bars in areas where Roma’s
Ultra fans meet before and after matches. The North London club
sent booklets to fans last week asking them to be vigilant.
The violence came after two Chelsea supporters were stabbed in
Turin on Tuesday night before their team’s Champions League game
against Juventus. The fans were slashed in the buttocks and were
released from hospital after treatment.
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