An English fan was in hospital today after being stabbed during running battles between Galatasaray and Arsenal fans on the streets of Copenhagen. The injured man, who was knifed in the back outside a bar in the Danish capital, was in a comfortable condition in the city's Central Hospital. His injury was not life-threatening, according to Copenhagen police.
Violence flared early today, only hours before the two clubs meet in the UEFA Cup final, when English and Turkish fans began hurling bottles and glasses. Police said eight men were arrested, four Britons and four Turks, after a series of clashes, mainly outside bars near the City Hall.
Seven people were injured in the trouble, four English and three Turkish, suffering minor injuries during scuffles, said a police spokesman.
Meanwhile Arsenal have offered supporters on the club's official trips to Copenhagen a full refund if they do not wish to attend tonight's UEFA Cup final following the stabbing. Arsenal made the offer in a handwritten note given to every supporter as they checked in this morning to catch one of the club's official flights to the Danish capital.
