A football fan and a policeman have been stabbed during separate clashes ahead of a Champions League match in Milan.

The violence came ahead of AC Milan’s home match against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Tuesday night.

A group of around 50 Italian fans – wearing masks and helmets – have been accused of “ambushing” their French rivals, including by throwing flares, in the Navigli area of the city on Monday night.

A PSG fan was stabbed twice in the leg during the melee and was rushed to hospital.

Italian media said the victim, a 34-year-old Frenchman, suffered serious injuries – although his wounds are not thought to be lift-threatening.

Meanwhile, in a separate clash between police and PSG fans, an officer was also stabbed. The alleged culprit was arrested.

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AC Milan condemned the violence in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

It said: “Football for us is passion, not hate. Sport is supposed to unite, not divide.”

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It comes after a Newcastle United fan was stabbed in the same area of the city in September ahead of the club’s Champions League match against AC Milan.

The Italian side reached the semi-finals of the competition last season, but currently are bottom of Group F and without a win or a goal this time around.

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