United fans stabbed in Rome

Injuries not thought to be serious

Last updated: 12th December 2007

Sir Alex Ferguson

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Five Manchester United fans have been hospitalised ahead of the club's UEFA Champions League tie with Roma and two Britons arrested.

The incidents happened in the city centre in the Italian capital, although the injuries are not thought to be serious.

Italian police have confirmed that the United supporters were hurt following trouble in Rome, while two fans were arrested.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "It appears there was trouble outside the stadium.

"A number of British fans were injured and two British nationals have been arrested.

"Our consular officials are on the way to the hospital to check on conditions, the numbers involved and whether anyone needs assistance.

"The situation is now said to be calm both outside and inside the stadium."

United had been fearful of problems ahead of the game following incidents in the club's Champions League quarter-final at Stadio Olimpico in April.

During that game, several fans were hurt by police after disturbances in the crowd between both sets of supporters.

Sir Alex Ferguson expressed hope on Tuesday that the game would pass off peacefully and certainly the Italian police, who were condemned for their heavy handed tactics earlier this year, were leaving little to chance.

The 1,200 United fans who made the trip to Italy were largely shepherded into the stadium two hours before kick-off, while segregation, made easier by a less than capacity crowd left no opportunity for supporters to be pelted by missiles, as was the case on their last visit.