体坛英语新闻：Feyenoord hooligans clash with Rome police ahead of Europa League match

ROME, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Violent clashes between Feyenoord supporters and police were reported by local media to take place in the center of Italy's capital Rome on Thursday ahead of a Europa League match with Roma.

Supporters of the Dutch team, including women and families, threw flares at police, who hit back with baton charges, according to Rai State television. A total of 23 supporters were arrested and some police officers were injured.

Clashes were particularly violent in iconic Spanish Steps, in the heart of Rome, where the hooligans threw smoke bombs, bottles and all kinds of objects.

The Barcaccia fountain at the foot of the Spanish Steps, shops and parked vehicles were reportedly damaged, and waste baskets destroyed.

"We were forced to close. But we ask ourselves how was it possible that thousands of hooligans were let free to wander around the city without any checks," a shopper was quoted as saying by ANSA news agency.

"At some point it looked like a war," another shopper, Fabrizio Roscioli, said.

"We had to close because we were afraid. Campo de' Fiori (a square in central Rome) was besieged by a crowd of drunk supporters who fought and urinated everywhere. I am indignant," he said calling for more police presence in the Italian capital.

There was also concern that around 500 hooligans reported to be without a ticket to watch the match could attempt to enter the stadium by force.

A total of 1,300 police officers were deployed to oversee the area surrounding the stadium and the city center as well as Rome's stations and airports during Thursday's Feyenoord-Roma match.