Police 'arrest 19 hooligans just hours before Champions League clash' after violence breaks out near the stadium

Police in Paris have 'arrested 19 Atalanta fans after violent clashes near the Parc des Princes' ahead of the Italian side's clash with PSG. 

On the eve of their Champions League encounter, ultras of the Serie A side were arrested for violence, carrying weapons and causing damage, according to multiple French outlets including L'Equipe and Le Parisien. 

They report that the 19 hooligans arrested were all supporters of Atalanta and wore masks during fights with their PSG counterparts. 

The violence took place on Tuesday evening at 9:15pm, just under 24 hours before the match and no serious injuries were reported. 

Local police confirmed that the melee took place on rue des Lombards, between the Forum des Halles and the Pompidou Center. 

As for the French thugs involved, PSG say the individuals have already been banned from attending games at the Parc des Princes.  

It took the intervention of police in riot gear to break up the violence between the balaclava-clad men on Tuesday night. 

A total of 1184 Atalanta fans reportedly arrived in Paris the day before, with many more expected on Wednesday and a tight security presence at the ground. 

There was more fan trouble involving a French side - Marseille - prior to the club's Champions League opener against Real Madrid on Tuesday evening in the Spanish capital. 

Police armed with batons and pepper spray were seen dispersing crowds outside the Bernabeu. 

The skirmishes occurred after fans met at 6pm at the Avenida del Brasil where they were expected to walk the final half a mile to the stadium. 

A total of 1,900 national police and 80 from the Madrid municipal police joined forces to stop any violence escalating out of control. 

There were lengthy queues for identity checks and searches and while there will be fewer Atalanta fans in Paris than Marseille supporters in Madrid, the situation is expected to be similar on Wednesday evening.