British fans clash with Rome police

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A column of riot police with shields and batons were seen moving into a section of the crowd where two St George flags were on display.

It was initially unclear how the clash broke out but it followed earlier reports that five people, including three United fans, had been injured on their way to the Olympic stadium in Rome.

BBC Five Live commentator Alan Green, who witnessed the trouble, said: "United fans appeared to charge the police and the police went in. It got pretty vicious. I don't know if the Roma fans started this but they are happy now as it is between the police and the United fans."

Earlier Italy's ANSA news agency said that around 300 English fans were involved in a stand-off before the first leg quarter final tie.

On Tuesday United warned the 6,000 fans travelling to the game to take care. A message posted on the club's website told supporters to avoid certain areas of the city and not to use the city's metro because of a "real danger of being attacked by the 'Ultra' fans of AS Roma".

The warning infuriated some officials in the city, who said it would only excite tensions.

Around 5,000 United fans had bought tickets for the game but a further 1,000 were expected to travel without tickets.

The warning spoke of dangers on the Ponte Nenni bridge, the Campo de Fiori or trains to the Piazza Flaminio. Wednesday night's earlier incidents were said to have taken place near the Ponte Milvio and Ponte Duca d'Aosta bridges.

The trouble inside the stadium erupted after Roma went 1-0 up, with both sets of fans throwing missiles at each other. Police moved in using their batons on United supporters. TV pictures showed one dazed fan with blood pouring from his face with others trying to help him back to his feet. Meanwhile, announcements were made over the public address system threatening to halt the game. On the pitch Paul Scholes was sent off just 33 minutes into the match.