Italian police arrest 20 West Ham fans after clashes

PALERMO, Sicily, Sep 28 (Reuters) Italian police have arrested 20 West Ham United supporters after overnight clashes with Palermo fans in Sicily before today's UEFA Cup match.

Police in Palermo said around 300 rival supporters fought street battles and then clashed with police in the city centre, hurling glass bottles and other objects at them.

One Palermo fan was also arrested, police said. Some 2,500 English fans are expected at the stadium later today for the second leg of the UEFA Cup first round tie.

Palermo fans and the regional governor of Sicily have accused West Ham supporters of wearing offensive T-shirts with ''The Mafia'' written on them during the first leg match in London, which Palermo won 1-0.

Reuters AB GC1640