English football thugs fled before police could arrest them after they brought violence to America as rival New York fans clashed before a local derby.
Two sets of supporters were seen fighting outside a New Jersey bar just ahead of Sunday’s heated clash between the New York Red Bulls and newly-formed New York City Football Club.
In scenes mirroring that of British hooligan gangs, shirtless men chanted “who are ya?” at one another as they threw advertising boards and fists flew.
The fight only stopped when a transit police officer arrived but no arrests were made as fans scattered before reinforcements were called.
New York City fan, Kevin Ashwell, said several of the fans were English after witnessing the violence. more stories and photo after the jump:
The 38-year-old, originally from Bristol, said: “Tensions had been building for a few hours when rival fans began drinking near Red Bulls bar.
“One guy threw a can of beer and it just descended into violence.
“If it wasn’t for the police siren it would of gone on a lot longer. It seems we gave the Americans our football and now we’re giving them our violence.”
The fracas is the latest in a number of fights that are beginning to creep in America’s MLS football league.
Last month Orlando City Soccer Club cracked down on supporters who ran riot in during a game with Florida neighbours the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
New York Red Bulls won the battle of the Big Apple as they saw off newcomers New York City 2-0.
Bradley Wright-Phillips put the hosts in front after 21 minutes at Red Bull Arena, with Campanholi Felipe Martins sealing the win five minutes from time against a City side that included both Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo from the start.
The win takes New York Red Bulls up to second in the MLS Eastern Conference, while Lampard’s City languish down in eighth place after suffering their second defeat in a row.
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