ROME (AP) — Rome Mayor Ignazio Marino called on Feyenoord or the Netherlands to pay for damages after fans of the Dutch soccer club rampaged through the famous Piazza di Spagna.
“Whoever breaks it, should fix it,” Marino told RAI state TV on Friday. “Someone has to accept responsibility — either the football club or the Netherlands.”
EU Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans said authorities should impose hard-hitting penalties on the hooligans.
“We need a tough approach to make justice prevail and also because sports should not be damaged by the violence of hooligans,” said Timmermans, a Dutchman who considers Rome his “second home.”
Timmermans said the behavior of the rampaging fans was “a sign of barbarity and brutishness.”
The square and the iconic Spanish Steps were left covered with beer bottles and other litter, while the recently restored Barcaccia fountain was damaged in the clashes before Thursday’s Europa League match at Roma, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Several police officers were injured and the ANSA news agency reported six Feyenoord fans were arrested.
On Wednesday, 23 Feyenoord fans were arrested after causing trouble in another downtown area.
“It was urban warfare,” Marino said.
Comment count on this article reflects comments made on Breitbart.com and Facebook. Visit Breitbart's Facebook Page.