Manchester United Fans Stabbed At Champions League Tie

Football violence has marred a Champions League tie between Manchester United and Roma.

Five United fans were stabbed during clashes with Roma supporters before Wednesday night’s final group match.

Seven people were taken to hospital, one of those being a 16 year old boy who needed treatment for intoxication.

None of the stab victims are said to have serious injuries.

A spokesperson for the British Foreign Office said: “The injuries ranged from stab wounds to broken wrists and being worse for wear from alcohol.”

Six Britons were also arrested after violence broke out at the Pont Duca d’Aosta bridge, which fans cross over the river to get to the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

The British Embassy in Italy said that four of the six detained were formally charged with obstructing police officers in their duty. Two others were released without charge.

There were no further scuffles as fans left the stadium after the game, which finished 1-1.

United manager Alex Ferguson was disappointed by the scenes: “This is something we hoped would not happen.

“We hope the supporters concerned will be ok.”

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti also condemned the violence saying of the scenes: “These people are sick.”

Greater Manchester Police officers had travelled to Rome before the match and had issued warnings to hooligans not to attend.

The violence marks the second consecutive match between Roma and Manchester United in the capital to be tainted by violence.

(DS)