Feyenoord Fans Clash with Police in Rome Ahead of Europa League Match
Feyenoord have escaped sanctions from UEFA after fan violence saw supporters of the Dutch side clash with police on Feb. 19.
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Feyenoord Escape UEFA Discipline
Friday, Feb. 20
UEFA announced on Friday that Feyenoord would not be punished for their fans' behavior in Rome prior to their Europa League tie with Roma, according to Goal.com:
""Uefa condems the incidents of violence occurred in the city of Rome on Thursday," said Uefa in a statement.
"However, as the incidents occurred away from the stadium, it is outside Uefa's remit to act.
"It is a matter for the local authorities to investigate further."
"
Feyenoord Fans Clash With Police in Rome
Thursday, Feb. 19
Violence continues to rage in Rome ahead of Feyenoord's Europa League match against Roma, causing damage to the city and calling into question what possible sanctions or repercussions could befall Feyenoord.
Oliver Todd of the Daily Mail has more:
"Feyenoord fans have clashed with riot police in Rome for a second day ahead of their Thursday night Europa League tie with Roma.
After 33 arrests in the Italian capital on Wednesday, fans fought running battles with police close to the popular tourist attraction the Spanish Steps in downtown Rome with some of Feyenoord's 6,000 travelling supporters injured as smoke bombs and bottles were thrown at officers.
"
According to Todd, six police officers required medical attention after the incident.
Meanwhile, Mayor Ignazio Marino of Rome is livid with the destruction done to his city and had strong words about the incident on Twitter, via Football Italia:
"Rome has been devastated and wounded by this.
We are in contact with the authorities and the Dutch Ambassador. It will not end here. I protested and demanded an explanation from those who are responsible for public order in this city.
We found damage to the Barcaccia, which had just been restored. This violence is unacceptable and Romans will not be the ones who have to pay for it.
"
There have already been repercussions for several of Feyenoord's supporters, per Eurosport:
While violence and unruly fan behavior is hardly new to European soccer or sports in general around the world, the clashes in Rome between the Feyenoord supporters and the police have escalated beyond the normal scope of such incidents.
That these issues have arisen days before the match was even played means there are serious security concerns for the game itself, with tensions sure to be high between the rival supporters.
It remains to be seen how UEFA will handle this incident, though Feyenoord could be facing fines or even bans from future competitions based on the actions of their supporters, a disappointing result for the players and many supporters who were not involved in the incident.
