After reports of relatively peaceful relations between fans, violence broke out between sections of Vitesse Arnhem and Southampton support ahead of their Europa League fixture hours ago.
It’s believed that the introduction of Feyenoord supporters to the city’s bar district in Korenmarkt, where fans had been happily drinking over 24 hours, had escalated into violence. With Southampton support responding with fighting and the throwing of chairs. Generally, it’s been difficult to confirm what spurred on the violence.
Riot Police and horses were called into quell the situation. 53 arrests were made including a handful from Southampton’s contingent.
A Southampton statement said: “We are aware of an incident away from the official fanzone in Arnhem. We are liaising with local police and will take relevant action against those involved.”
Pretty repulsive scenes, let’s hope those from either sections of support responsible meet some pretty hefty action.
The Saints went on to claim a 2-0 victory over the Dutch, meaning they will now enter the playoff stage of the Europa League.