Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter by email with the day's key headlines and transfer news Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

More than 50 football fans were arrested after mounted riot police branding batons were forced to break up trouble between Dutch and Southampton supporters in Arnhem town square ahead of a Europa League match.

The Saints are in town to play Vitesse Arnhem in the second leg of their qualifying match for Europe's second tier competition, but scenes of happy fans mixing together turned ugly when violence broke out.

It is understood that 50 Dutch fans and three English supporters were arrested after an incident which appears to have been started by Feyenoord supporters clashing with Vitesse fans.

Press Association journalist Simon Peach, in the Netherlands to cover the match, reported: "Things have turned nasty Arnhem. Bottles, chairs flying around the town square. Batons out, horses & riot police."

He added: "Arnhem full of police now. Locals say Feyenoord supporters were involved. I certainly saw some Saints fans fighting."

"Disgusting scenes in Arnhem as fans clash. Onwatcher says police didn't stop group & trouble flared up.

"Flare up occurred in Korenmarkt, where Dutch & English fans had been mixing peacefully. Not sure if anything happened in fanzone.

"Some 'fans' clearly wanted trouble. Saw one ask 'you Saints?' When Dutchman shook his head, he pushed him. Same supporter whacked with baton."

One eye witness Tweeted: "That were Feyenoord fans. Don't know why they are in Arnhem."

A Southampton statement read: "Southampton Football Club are aware of an incident away from the official fanzone in Arnhem.

"We are continuing to liaise with local police and will take relevant action against those involved."

Saints lead the tie 3-0 from the first leg.