When flares are thrown by fans before a Lazio-Roma derby, the police crack down hard with truncheons.

VIDEO that has gone viral this afternoon appears to show riot police using truncheons on Roma fans, which is deeply disturbing.

This afternoon, Jose Mourinho’s squad will play Lazio in a pivotal Rome derby.

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Videos of clashes between Roma fans and police had surfaced online before the game.

Many videos show police beating fans and throwing flares.

One Ultras Twitter account posted a video explaining their take on the events.

“Tensions between #ultras of #Roma and the Police, before the match,” they wrote.

“An injured policeman in Piazza Mancini.

After leaving the Ponte Milvio, the group #CurvaNord #Lazio attempted to contact the #romanisti at the obelisk. Enforcement by the law enforcement.”

Already this week, ugly clashes between fans and police have impacted Italian football.

Cars were reportedly set on fire and police were assaulted during Napoli’s Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt.

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It was speculated that visiting fans from Frankfurt were to blame for the mayhem.

There were reportedly 300 fans causing mayhem and resorting to violence, despite the presence of 800 police on the streets.

The Rome derby this afternoon could have a significant impact on both teams’ final Serie A standings positions.

Lazio, led by manager Maurizio Sarri, are currently in third place, two points ahead of their fierce rivals in fifth place.

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