MARSEILLE (AFP) - Four Marseille supporters have been taken into police custody after violent clashes between fans and police forces in the lead-up to the French football league match between arch-rivals Marseille and Paris-Saint Germain, police said on Monday.

Eight police officers were injured in the incident which saw groups of fans clash with police and stewards at the Stade Velodrome ahead of Sunday's late evening game.

The four fans are to be prosecuted for damages and violence against the police. Four others have since been released.