Dutch supporter injured: police

A Dutch FC Twente football supporter was injured here on Thursday before the high-risk UEFA Cup match against Paris Saint Germain (kick-off 1945GMT), police said.

The supporter, hit by a blunt object in Paris and not by a machete near the Parc des Princes stadium as previously police revealed, was taken to hospital though the injuries were not life-threatening, the same source said.

Earlier, about 300 FC Twente supporters had clashed with up to 40 PSG fans forcing riot police to intervene in the centre of Paris, an AFP journalist said.

A large contingent of police, including CRS riot police and mobile units, forced supporters towards Saint-Michel Square, before sealing it off with their cars, as drunken fans smashed a shop front window, destroyed a scooter, and threw empty beer cans and broken bottles.

Some shopkeepers closed the security shutters and parents fetching children from school stayed inside the buildings during the disturbances. At 6p.m. (1700 GMT), calm had returned and no arrests were made, police said.

At 8p.m. (1900 GMT), the Parc des Princes stadium was far from full with the two groups of supporters hanging around outside together with a very visible police presence.

Just before kick-off, FC Twente supporters gained access to an adjoining stadium and police used tear gas in a successful attempt to get them back into the Parc des Princes stadium.

PSG are hoping to join FC Twente, coached by former England boss Steve McClaren, in Friday's Round of 32 draw following this final group game.