More than 50 people have been arrested after violence broke out ahead of Southampton and Vitesse Arhem’s UEFA Europa League match in the Netherlands on Thursday.
Saints take a 3-0 first leg lead into the second leg, but that’s all been overshadowed for the moment by crowd violence in Arnhem.
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Reports say locals claim Feyenoord fans were a part of the escalation, which was captured on video by reporter Simon Peach and includes police using batons and horses to beat back fans.
Southampton released a statement acknowledging the incidents, and saying they’ll take action against fans proven guilty.
“Southampton Football Club are aware of an incident away from the official fanzone in Arnhem . We are continuing to liaise with local police and will take relevant action against those involved.”
The issues arose in Korenmarkt, the city’s bar district, where English and Dutch supporters had spent much of the previous 24 hours drinking together peacefully.
However, riot police and horses were called in after clashes began, which some onlookers said came after provocation from Feyenoord supporters.
Press Association Sport was told in the aftermath that a group of fans charged into the square, where a number of Southampton fans were seen throwing chairs and fighting.
Real shame to see such scenes in Arnhem. Fans had been getting on so well pic.twitter.com/wreyhi8HaV
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) August 6, 2015
Disgusting scenes in Arnhem as fans clash. Onwatcher says police didn’t stop group & trouble flared up pic.twitter.com/p7ZFLoDzfD
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) August 6, 2015
Some ‘fans’ clearly wanted trouble. Saw one ask ‘you Saints?’ When Dutchman shook his head, he pushed him. Same supporter whacked with baton
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) August 6, 2015
Our own Joe Prince-Wright is on the scene for the match, and says the incidents were not widespread.
#SaintsFC club spokesman: Saints aware of incident away from the official Saints fans zone in Arnhem. 50 Dutch fans, 3 English arrested.
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) August 6, 2015
Will punishment follow for the clubs? Hopefully not, but the guilty fans can expect quite a bit of it.