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Tottenham fans attacked in Brussels clashes ahead of Anderlecht game

Picture used courtesy of Siôn Roberts
Image: Tottenham fans were attacked in Brussels on Wednesday night (picture used courtesy of Siôn Roberts)

A group of around 40 Tottenham fans has been attacked in Brussels ahead of the club's Europa League game against Anderlecht.

The supporters were in Bar BQ when they were attacked by a group of men - who local police say are well-known hooligans linked to Anderlecht.

The mass brawl took place at around midnight on Wednesday and saw chairs thrown, tables broken and the window of the bar broken.

Belgian police have confirmed to Sky Sports News HQ that no arrests were made and that two people were treated for minor injuries.

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Sion Roberts, 19, of north Wales, was sitting in the bar when the attack happened. He said: "We were sitting in the bar, not singing or causing any trouble, when a group of around 70 men suddenly came and attacked us.

"People were covered in blood and some had cuts to the head.

"Police showed up and Tottenham fans were asked to give names, dates of birth and where we lived in England. Fans were also asked for passports before being told to leave the area."

A statement from local police issued on Thursday read: "A local police patrol saw an incident taking place outside Bar BQ last night. When police moved to break up the incident, Anderlecht fans quickly ran away.

"Around 50 Tottenham fans were left who told us they had been drinking in the bar before they were attacked.

"Two Tottenham fans were taken to hospital for minor injuries. No arrests have been made but we are investigating and believe we know those responsible."

Earlier, at 10.30pm, a separate police patrol apprehended a group of Anderlecht fans who were searching for Tottenham fans to fight. It is unknown whether this is the same group of fans who took part in the later attack.

A Tottenham statement said: "We are aware of the incident and are liaising with the relevant authorities."

An Anderlecht statement said: "The club (RSCA) condemns this incidents and trusts that the local police will take action against the so called RSCA fans."

Tottenham and Anderlecht have a history of trouble - in 1984 a Spurs fan was shot dead before the clubs' UEFA Cup final first leg in Brussels.

The clashes in Belgium occurred on the same evening as similar incidents in Manchester between supporters of Sevilla, who were playing Manchester City in the Champions League, and Polish club Slask Wroclaw.

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