Lazio and Roma ultras have clashed on the streets of Rome ahead of the Derby della Capitale later today. In video footage recorded in the Olimpico area of the City, both sets of supporters can be seen exchanging blows while smoke bombs and flares were also thrown in violent scenes in the Eternal City.
The fighting reportedly began when around 200 Lazio fans were ambushed by 100ish Roma fans near a bar in the area that surrounds the Stadio Olimpico. Fighting quickly ensued with Roma fans carrying weapons to make matters worse.
A poche ore dal derby, scontri nella zona dell’Olimpico tra tifosi di #Roma e #Lazio. La polizia ha separato i due gruppi anche con l’uso dei lacrimogeni: le immagini. pic.twitter.com/ITaHCsQ5ZC
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) April 6, 2024
Police were forced to quickly intervene using tear gas to separate the two sets of supporters in ugly scenes that have threatened to overshadow another huge match in Serie A. One Roma fan has reportedly already been arrested while an investigation is ongoing to locate others involved.
In an image shared on social media platform, X, police have seized several weapons from the Roma ultras after the incident, including helmets, sledgehammers and screwdrivers. The search continues for more ultras ahead of kick-off at 17:00 (UK time).
The police confiscated objects used by Ultras Roma in the clash with Ultras Lazio which occurred this morning
(06.04.2024) 🇮🇹☠️🌀#RomaLazio #DerbyDellaCapitale #ASRoma #ultrasroma #curvasud #hooligans #ultras pic.twitter.com/YBefpPpms6— Ultras World (@Ultrasworld_uw) April 6, 2024
The Roma vs Lazio rivalry
Roma vs Lazio is one of the most intense rivalries in Italian football with both clubs sharing no love for one and other. They currently share the Stadio Olimpico and have done so since the 1950s. Both clubs are considering switching stadiums in the coming years as both fail to consistently get close to the capacity at the Olimpico.
The match on Saturday is a bigger one for Roma as they are still embroiled in a race for the top four alongside Bologna and Atalanta. Lazio, meanwhile, have enjoyed a miserable campaign and languish in mid-table so their job today purely revolves around stopping their rivals.