Tottenham fans fought with Spanish police in riot gear Thursday night during the English team's UEFA Cup quarterfinal at Sevilla.

 

Seven fans of the London club were reportedly hospitalized ?a mostly with cuts to their heads. A policeman also was reported to have been injured in the disturbances.

 

The violence appeared to begin at about the 30th minute of Sevilla's come-from-behind 2-1 win, after the home team tied the game on a disputed penalty kick by former Tottenham player Frederic Kanoute. Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson was called for a foul in the 18th for taking down Adriano Correia. Television replays showed Robinson got a hand to the ball before making contact with Adriano.

 

Fans ripped up plastic seats at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium and hurled them at police, who then hit spectators with night sticks. Before the match, about 50 Tottenham fans reportedly clashed with police outside the stadium.

 

On Wednesday, Italian police clashed with Manchester United fans during its Champions League match at AS Roma.

 

Sevilla, the defending UEFA Cup champion, got a go-ahead goal from Alexander Kerzhakov in the 36th. Robbie Keane scored for Spurs in the second minute.

 

Two other Spanish teams came away with first-leg victories. Osasuna won 3-0 at Bayer Levekusen and Espanyol won 3-2 at Benfica. In the other game, Werder Bremen tied 0-0 at the Netherlands' AZ Alkmaar.

 

Second legs of the total-goals series are scheduled for next Thursday.

 

(China Daily via AP April 6, 2007)