Football: Arsenal and Tottenham fans involved in bloody clashes outside stadium before derby

A man bloodied in clashes between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur fans before the North London derby. PHOTO: REUTERS
A man bloodied in clashes between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur fans before the North London derby. PHOTO: REUTERS
Policemen and fans clashing outside White Hart Lane before the match. PHOTO: REUTERS
Policemen and fans clashing outside White Hart Lane before the match. PHOTO: REUTERS
Police forming a line as fans chant outside the ground before the match. PHOTO: REUTERS
Policemen and fans clashing outside the ground before the match. PHOTO: REUTERS

LONDON - Fans of English Premier League sides Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur were involved in clashes outside White Hart Lane that left at least one bloodied before the North London derby on Saturday (March 5).

Pictures from Reuters showed one man with blood dripping down his face. Other images showed policemen on horses trying to break up groups of brawling men, some of whom were on the ground.

Videos posted on social media also showed scenes of chaos as the mounted policemen swung batons at people in crowds, while some in the mob lobbed projectiles.

The two London sides have been traditional rivals, with the stakes particularly high ahead of Saturday's game given that both teams are in the hunt for the EPL title. Tottenham were second and Arsenal third in the table ahead of kick-off.

The match ended 2-2. Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey gave the Gunners the lead, but Spurs turned the game around with two goals after Arsenal's Francis Coquelin was sent off. Alexis Sanchez rescued a point for Arsene Wenger's men late on.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.