Police in Palermo said around 300 rival supporters fought street battles and then clashed with police in the city centre, hurling glass bottles and other objects at them.

One Palermo fan was also arrested, police said. Some 2,500 English fans are expected at the stadium later on Thursday for the second leg of the UEFA Cup first round tie.

Palermo fans and the regional governor of Sicily have accused West Ham supporters of wearing offensive T-shirts with "The Mafia" written on them during the first leg match in London, which Palermo won 1-0.