Intro:

The Mayor of Rome reacts to damage done by rioting Feyenoord fans the previous day, ahead of their team's UEFA Europa League match against Roma.

Script:

Rome's Spanish steps attract visitors from around the World, on Thursday Feyenoord football fans were here too but you imagine they will not be welcomed back any time soon.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Ignazio Marino, Mayor of Rome:

"It is unacceptable that they come to a city for a soccer game and then they destroy a monument that is 400 years old."
Romans were left to pick up pieces of the recently restored Barcaccia fountain following a day of clashes before the Dutch side's Europa League match at Roma, 23 Feyenoord fans were arrested but city bosses want compensation.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Ignazio Marino, Mayor of Rome:

"The ambassador of the Netherlands said it is not in their intentions to pay for the damage, but many banks and many institutions in Italy called me last night and early this morning offering to pay for the damage."

He thinks it will be difficult to get any money from the Dutch government. Police too were counting the costs as a number of officers were injured in clashes with supporters. After the clean up, which is being watched by bemuzed tourists, thoughts will then turn to fears of retaliation from hardcore Roma fans at the return leg in Rotterdam.