Attack on Arsenal fan threatens Rome final

Rome's ability to host this season's Champions League final will be questioned once more after an Arsenal fan was apparently stabbed in the leg outside the Stadio Olimpico last night.

Ahead of the Gunners' penalty shootout victory, a supporter was attacked, the British Embassy in the Italian capital claimed, when the minibus in which he was travelling lost its way close to the stadium.

In the latest worrying incident of football hooliganism in the city, it was suggested a group of home fans targeted the vehicle and attempted to force their way inside.

"One managed to get on to the bus and there was a fight," an embassy spokesman said.

"The driver managed to get away when the Roma fan was pushed out of the bus."

The victim was able to watch the match after receiving medical care, the spokesman revealed.

He added: "We don't know if it was a stabbing or glass from a smashed window."

An Arsenal spokeswoman said: "A male Arsenal fan was believed to be stabbed outside the stadium.

"Roma fans threw stones at a bus, smashing windows, and an individual allegedly entered the bus and stabbed a fan."

A British Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are aware of the incident that happened in Italy and we are providing consular assistance."

Arsenal's fans had already been warned to avoid certain areas of the city by their club after a string of ugly incidents over recent years.

"If you travel to the stadium independently, please be aware you are at risk," stated the booklet circulated by Arsenal.

"Do not take trains to the Piazza Flaminio or attempt to use the Ponte Duca D'Aosta bridge as these are habitual routes taken by the 'Ultras' (Roma's hardcore supporters).

"Please stay away from the Campo De Fiori."

The Italian capital has come under the microscope in the wake of several high-profile incidents in recent years, most notably when a number of Manchester United fans were wounded in clashes with Roma fans in two separate incidents in the city in 2007.

City officials had been warned by European football's governing body, UEFA, that any serious acts of hooliganism between now and the May 27 final could see the showpiece moved elsewhere.

It now remains to be seen whether UEFA still have confidence in Rome to host a trouble-free showpiece in two-and-a-half months' time.