Europa League football match in Rotterdam leads to 42 arrests

A sizeable Dutch police presence prevented pre-and-post-match offenses during the Europa League match between Feyenoord and AS Roma on Thursday in Rotterdam, with only 42 arrests reported.

In a statement on Friday, Dutch police, which took extra security measures out of fears of riots, claimed to be "satisfied" after a "busy day."

Most of the arrested people were held for minor offenses such as failure to comply with an order or requisition, fighting, letting off fireworks, possession of weapons, and not having an identity card.

As a result, the event didn't lead to major disturbances or mass brawls before or after the match.

Last week, Feyenoord fans demolished property in Rome surrounding a tie game match there. Dutch police feared reprisals from Italian fans in Rotterdam, but nothing serious happened. Out of precaution, many police officers were on duty on the streets. A total of 2,400 AS Roma fans attended the match in Rotterdam.

Earlier on Thursday, two buses with 83 supporters of AS Roma were stopped on the highway to prevent them from going to Amsterdam. Under police escort, the two buses drove to a police station in Rotterdam.

According to police, the fans did not misbehave, but were not welcome in Amsterdam. Until shortly before the start of the match, the fans remained at the police office.

During the match, Feyenoord fans misbehaved, throwing several objects on the field. The match was temporarily suspended twice. AS Roma won the match 2-1 and will go through to the last 16 of the Europa League. Endit