60 fans arrested and 10 police injured ahead of Roma’s clash against Feyenoord

Tirana, the host city for the final of the inaugural edition of the UEFA Europa Conference League, witnessed the atrocity of Roma and Feyenoord fans.

According to La Lazio Siamo Noi, a number of altercations concerning both sets of fans took place in Tirana on Tuesday evening. Roma will take on Feyenoord in what could be their final hurdle before lifting their first European title on Wednesday evening.

On the eve of the much-awaited occasion, a series of incidents of vandalism and hooliganism resulted in 60 fans, including 48 Italian citizens and 12 Dutch citizens, being taken into custody by the local police.

Several instances of the fighting were noticed across the city. In one instance, dozens of Dutch fans were seen clashing with the police. In another bar, one Feyenoord fan even hit an Albanian local, leading the argument to chairs and tables being thrown and properties being damaged.

Roma fans were not quiet either as an incident involving Roma supporters and the local police ended in police cars being thrashed and windows crushed. An Albanian agent, a supposed victim of the brawl, was also hospitalized in severe health conditions. At least ten police officers are understood to have sustained serious injuries.

It is reported that over 100,000 supporters from both clubs are expected to be in the Albanian city for the Europa Conference League final, although the sitting capacity of the Arena Kombëtare is around 20,000. It is expected that the rest will be present in and around the city.

Jyotirmoy Halder