Soccer fans clash with riot police in Rome

ROME - English soccer fans clashed with Italians in central Rome before baton-wielding police restored order last on Tuesday local time, witnesses said.

Around 100 Middlesbrough and AS Roma fans hurled bottles at each other in the central Campo de Fiori square, causing tourists and locals to flee for cover.

Police in full-riot gear soon flooded the area and laid into the fans with their batons. A number of English supporters were hurt in the clashes, but Italy's ANSA news agency said there were no reports of serious injuries.

Middlesbrough are due to play Roma in the UEFA Cup overnight NZ time and hundreds of English supporters have poured into the Italian capital to watch the game.

- REUTERS