Group of Chelsea fans were drinking quietly in Rome bar when they were victims of random attack by supporters of Serie A side Roma
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THIS is the terrifying moment a group of innocent Chelsea fans were ambushed in a pub by Roma hooligans ahead of their Champions League match.
Dozens of Blues fans were enjoying a quite late night drink in The Shamrock pub in the heart of Rome close to the famous Colosseum when they were targeted.
Masked Roma thugs carrying sticks threw a flare into the open door which caused panic as it shrouded the pub in acrid smoke and flames late on Monday night.
They then threw bottles and glasses at the Chelsea fans who can be heard shouting obscenities at their attackers who then escape as police sirens are heard approaching.
Cops managed to arrest two Roma fans but the rest escaped and ambulances were called to the pub but apart from cuts and bruises there were no serious injuries.
Owner Alessandro Corbellini said: "At first I thought it was some some sort of terrorist attack there was smoke and flames and loads of shouting.
“Some of the customers dived under tables or behind the bar to escape the attack which was completely unprovoked.
“The Chelsea fans were just enjoying a beer and a sing song when the place was attacked by hooligans with masks.
"We are a football loving pub but I have never had anything like this happen before.
“They were carrying sticks and some of them tried to get inside the pub but we managed to keep them out although I got hit on the head.”
Another witness said: "The Italians were all masses outside the door but the Chelsea fans managed to keep them outside even though they were outnumbered.
“People say the English are hooligans but this was totally the fault of the Italians. Their behaviour was terrifying. To throw a flare into a crowded pub is completely stupid.”
At least 2000 Chelsea fans were in Rome for the match which ended in a shock 3-0 win for Roma but there were no other reported incidents.
Today police were combing through CCTV at the pub and neighbouring streets to identify the attackers.
Meanwhile elsewhere in Italy four Man City fans needed hospital treatment after they were attacked in Naples overnight ahead of their Champions League clash against Napoli.
Police said the four were chased into a pizzeria where the owner suffered a head injury as he tried to defend them from their attackers.
