The Associated Press reported Wednesday that the Italian police had detained 17 people over the riot, including the alleged ringleader, who was found in the trunk of a bus that was to take Serbian fans home. Although his face was covered by a mask during the violence, the police identified him by his tattooed arms, according to the ANSA news agency.

The violence appeared to have started outside the Serbian team’s hotel earlier in the day when goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic was hit by flares as he boarded the team bus. His “crime” was to have moved to one Belgrade team, Partizan, after having played for another, Red Star, earlier in his career.

Stojkovic was shaken but not seriously hurt. He was taken to a hospital for a checkup, but when he arrived at the stadium he took refuge in the Italian locker room, afraid to take any part in the match.

“What can I say?” Italy’s coach, Cesare Prandelli, said after the Scottish referee first delayed the kickoff for 35 minutes, then abandoned the game seven minutes in.

“There’s great disappointment and bitterness, especially for the many children who were enthusiastically hoping for a great game,” he said. “The Serbian goalkeeper was in our dressing room before the game. He wasn’t just afraid to play, he was also afraid for his return home. The Serbian players felt these fans were doing everything to stop the match being played.”