Police arrest more than 100 Roma fans in Nice ahead of Europa League tie

NICE, France – French police detained more than 100 AS Roma supporters in the centre of Nice on Tuesday evening after intervening to prevent a mass brawl ahead of the Italian club’s Europa League match against Nice, local authorities said.

A total of 102 individuals identified as Roma ultras were taken into custody after riot police and local officers stepped in to halt a confrontation involving around 100 people, the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture said in a statement.

“There were no injuries or damage. Calm was quickly restored and security was fully ensured throughout the night,” the prefecture added.

The Groupama Stadium will host the league-phase fixture on Wednesday, which has been classed as high risk by French authorities. Around 400 police and gendarmes will be deployed in and around the stadium, across the city and on approaches from the Franco-Italian border.

“As with all sensitive matches, this game has been subject to very careful preparation by state services in coordination with the City of Nice, the metropolis, the clubs concerned and UEFA,” the prefecture said, stressing there would be zero tolerance for disorder.