Tottenham v Ajax: Police condemn 'unacceptable' violence before Champions League semi-final

Ajax claimed a 1-0 win over Tottenham on Tuesday
Action Images via Reuters
Olivia Tobin1 May 2019
WEST END FINAL

Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories, opinion and expert analysis

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Police have condemned the “totally unacceptable” violence among fans ahead of Tottenham’s Champions League semi-final against Ajax last night.

Scotland Yard said men were seen breaking up pieces of pavement and wall and hurtling fragments on Brereton Road before the match in north London.

In total, eight people were arrested before Tottenham's 1-0 defeat on Tuesday night, three for violent disorder as well as one person on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.

Another 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated public order, the force said.

Police had previously said there was nine arrests, but it was later clarified the number was eight.

Match Commander, Superintendent Louis Smith added: “A number of arrests were made following some incidents of serious disorder last night. A full investigation is now underway and I would urge anyone with information to come forward and assist us with our enquiries.

“Sadly, three officers were injured during the policing operation. My officers faced and dealt with serious violence including a group of men who had armed themselves with bricks and bottles.

In Pictures | Tottenham vs Ajax, Champions League | 30/04/2019

1/73

“Thankfully the officers’ injuries are not serious and they remain fit for duty however, this behaviour is totally unacceptable and robust action will be taken against those responsible.

“I would like to commend the officers for putting themselves in harm’s way in order to detain the individuals who were posing a significant threat to innocent members of the public within the area.

“We are working closely with the stadium to take necessary action concerning the offences carried out last night and we continue to work hard to help ensure football matches remain safe and enjoyable events for all.”

The Premier League side will travel to Holland for the second leg on May 8.

Anyone with information about the above offences or any other incidents during the match is urged to contact police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in