TheCable

Goals from Adem Ljajic and Gervinho helped Roma to 2-1 win over Feyenoord and 3-2 on aggregate to qualify for the next round of the Europa League, but ugly scenes marred the proceedings in Rotterdam.

Police detained 42 suspects before and after the highly charged game while fans throwing objects onto the pitch forced a temporary halt to the second half.

The law enforcement agents spent most part of the game in preventing fights between rival fans amid fears of reprisal attacks.

The first leg in Rome was marred by trouble when Feyenoord fans went on the rampage, causing damage to a 500-year-old fountain which experts said cannot be repaired.

Referee Clement Turpin was forced to stop the game in the 55th minute as he took both teams off the pitch amid concerns for the safety of the players, following the dismissal of Feyenoord’s Mitchell Te Vrede for a challenge on Kostas Manola.

When the game eventually resumed, Feyenoord equalised almost immediately through substitute Elvis Manu but Gervinho put Roma in front three minutes later.

Tensions remained high for the remainder of the game, with objects regularly being thrown on to the pitch.

UEFA is expected to launch an investigation into Thursday’s incidents.