Nine injured after violent Lazio-Real Sociedad clashes in Europa League build-up

Nine people have been left injured, one seriously, after violent clashes between groups of Lazio and Real Sociedad supporters in Rome on the eve of the Europa League meeting between the two sides, according to reports in Italy.

Nine injured after Lazio-Real Sociedad clashes

According to Thursday’s report from La Gazzetta dello Sport, around 150 supporters were involved in the ordeal in the capital on Wednesday night.

La Gazzetta reports that around 80 Lazio supporters planned to ambush a group of around 70 travelling Real Sociedad fans, which sparked violent clashes between the two sets of supporters.

Police seized a series of weapons including bats, knives, hammers and metal pipes.

It has been reported that nine Spanish fans were left injured as a result of the clashes. The condition of one of the supporters is said to be ‘serious’, but ‘not life-threatening’.

Lazio and Real Sociedad are due to meet at the Stadio Olimpico for the seventh Europa League league phase match on Thursday night.

The Biancocelesti are already top of the standings, and though it will not technically be mathematically guaranteed, they will practically have top spot wrapped up if they rise to victory on Thursday night.