... and off the pitch. Those Italian Police are out of control discracefull scenes anyone see the claret pouring out of that fan his mates had to drag him away from the police

Fighting mars Man Utd's Rome trip

Manchester United fans were warned of attack by Roma fans
Manchester United's Champions League match against Roma was marred by violence involving supporters before and during the game.
Local media reported clashes between fans as they made their way to the Olympic Stadium in Rome.

During the game United fans clashed with police wielding batons.

Manchester United warned fans before the game they could be attacked by Roma supporters, sparking criticism from Rome's mayor.

Local media reported that five people were injured in clashes as fans made their way to the stadium.

Riot police

It was reported that three were English, one was from Rome and another was from Italy's security forces.

The trouble reportedly occurred near two bridges - the Ponte Milvio and the Ponte Duca d'Aosta.

During the game, which Roma won 2-1, both sets of fans could be seen throwing missiles at each other.

The two sets of supporters were separated in one section of the ground by a barrier with riot police gathered on the Manchester United side.

After each goal both sets of fans surged towards the barrier.

At one stage, riot police with shields and batons were seen repeatedly striking Manchester United supporters.

One female fan was seen being pushed in the face by a police officer while another supporter was repeatedly struck with a baton as he lay on the floor.

The police got involved with a baton charge and all hell broke loose - you had seats being thrown at the police

Man Utd fan

TV pictures showed one Manchester United fan with blood pouring from his face as others tried to pick him up.

BBC Five Live commentator Alan Green, said during the game: "United fans appeared to charge the police and the police went in.

"It got pretty vicious. We're about 80 yards away but it seems to have quietened down now.

"We've just heard a loud crash and there is smoke over there. It is very, very nasty inside this ground now.

"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." A Manchester United fan inside the ground told BBC Five Live trouble started when Manchester United's Paul Scholes was sent off.

'Missiles'

"At the time of the sending off there were missiles exchanged between fans and after the Roma goal their fans charged the United section," he said.

"The police got involved with a baton charge and all hell broke loose. You had seats being thrown at the police.

"Most of the missiles being thrown are bottles which are being sold inside the ground. The number of riot police has probably tripled.

"You really don't know what is going to happen next."

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

Violent reputation

Before the game Manchester United fans were warned in letters and on the club's website to avoid certain areas of the city as they could be attacked by Roma's hardcore 'ultra' fans.

They were warned to avoid using Rome's underground network to reach the Olympic Stadium, and to also keep away from the Ponte-nenni bridge and the Campo de Fiori.

The city's mayor Walter Veltroni criticised Manchester United officials and said the advice could create a "negative climate".

Italian football has a reputation for violence among its fans.

In February the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) suspended all matches after a policeman was killed at a Serie A game between Catania and Palermo.

Three Middlesbrough fans were stabbed and 10 others hurt during fights with Roma fans at the Uefa quarter finals last year.