80 English fans held in Holland

More than 80 Newcastle United fans were arrested last night after violence erupted ahead of a match in the Dutch town of Breda.

Police said the trouble was centred on a part of the town packed with bars and clubs where Newcastle and NAC Breda fans had been drinking.

Inspector Willem Van Hoedenck told BBC Radio 5 Live that 87 English and seven Dutch fans were arrested.

He said: "English fans and Dutch football fans were together drinking beer but then there were problems."

It was the second outbreak of violence involving British fans on the Continent in as many nights.

English soccer hooligans were blamed for sparking a fight involving Scottish fans in Italy on Tuesday night.

Police who joined Dundee football club officials in Perugia identified known soccer thugs linked to two Premiership clubs as ringleaders of the disturbance.

A Tayside Police officer told officials the trouble, in which bottles rained down on fans in the city's main square, involved Italian fans as well as hooligans linked to Chelsea and Charlton.

Chief Superintendent Ian Alexander, of Tayside Police, was able to name thugs from Chelsea and Charlton after reviewing CCTV footage of the clash.

Police and Dundee officials believe the fight with a gang of Italians may have been organised.

In Breda, police reported fighting between English and Dutch fans. Bottles and glasses were also thrown, smashing windows.

Inspector Van Hoedenck said a group of 77 Newcastle fans were arrested in one sweep.

Newcastle won the match 1-0 (6-0 on aggregate) to secure their place in the next round of the Uefa Cup.

Dundee were knocked out of the same competition after losing their match last night 1-0 (3-1 on aggregate).