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Police arrest 23 Feyenoord fans in Rome as trouble flares before Europa League clash with Roma

The Barcaccia (Sunken Boat) fountain after being damaged by Feyenoord fans
Image: The Barcaccia (Sunken Boat) fountain in Rome, where Feyenoord fans congregated

Police arrested 23 Feyenoord fans in Rome after trouble flared before the Dutch side's Europa League clash with Roma on Thursday, Italian authorities said.

Buildings were damaged and bottles were thrown at riot police on Wednesday night, with trouble continuing on Thursday.

Hundreds of Feyenoord fans clashed with riot police at the Spanish Steps, while tear gas was fired at fans as they left the square's Baroque fountain full of empty beer bottles.

"This violence is unacceptable," said Rome mayor Ignazio Marino on his Twitter account.

Local police stand guard near the Barcaccia (Sunken Boat) fountain after it was damaged by Feyenoord fans ahead of an Europa League football match
Image: The 17th-century feature was damaged by fans

"I have filed a complaint and asked for an explanation to the people who should be taking care of public order in this city."

Feyenoord "should make a public apology", added Livio Ricciardelli, a member of the city government, saying that repairs to the fountain at the bottom of the Spanish Steps would be costly.

"Feyenoord should pay for the damage caused to the city by its fans," he said.

Around 6,500 Feyenoord supporters are expected to attend the last 32 first leg match at the Stadio Olimpico.   

The Barcaccia (Sunken Boat) fountain is pictured after being damaged by Feyenoord fans ahead of an Europa League football match AS Roma vs Feyenoord
Image: Police arrested 23 Feyenoord fans for trouble before the match
Stadio Olimpico
Image: The trouble occurred before Feyenoord's Europa League clash with Roma on Thursday

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