Rome 'devastated' as violent clashes erupt between Feyenord fans and Italian riot police

The Mayor of Rome, Ignazio Marino, said 'Romans would not pay for the damage'

Rome's Spanish steps were 'devastated' by the violence (AP)

Football fans once again came under the spotlight on Thursday after violent clashes between Rome's riot police and Feyenord supporters caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the Italian capital's city centre.

Images taken during the aftermath of the violence showed bloodied and handcuffed Feyenord fans being arrested by riot police.

The Mayor of Rome, Ignazio Marino, said the city was “hurt” by the violence and the city’s iconic Spanish Steps had been "devastated" by the estimated 6,500 Feyenord fans that had travelled to watch the game.

The Mayor said he had contacted the Dutch ambassador and demanded an explanation for the “unacceptable behaviour”, saying that “Romans would not pay for the damage”.

Following the violence, Uefa said that they would investigate any violence that had occurred in or around the ground, but said any violence that occurred in the city was outside of their remit and could not be pursued by Europe’s main football body.

When Feyenord fans did eventually reach the ground, they saw their side come from one-nil to draw one-one after Colin Kazim-Richards goal 10 minutes into the second half cancelled out a Gervinho’s first half opener.