UEFA "regrets" violence in Marseille following arrest of two England fans

UEFA has released a statement 'regretting' the violent scenes in Marseille that resulted in two England supporters being arrested on the eve of Euro 2016.

A brawl broke out between football fans and locals outside the Queen Victoria pub in the Old Port district just before midnight on Thursday.

Police in riot gear used tear gas to break up the fights, and among the melee one England fan was injured after getting hit in the face with a wooden chair, according to BBC News.

The authorities have confirmed that one England supporter was arrested for assaulting a barman and another was detained for violent disorder.

Chief Supt Steve Neill, a British policeman in charge of England fan security in Marseille, told BBC Radio 5 live: "Local police moved in very quickly and utilised some tear gas to disperse the local youths and close the pub.

"The use of tear gas seems quite dramatic to us from England and the United Kingdom because we are not used to seeing it, but in mainland Europe it is a regular tactic and they restored order fairly quickly."

UEFA responded to the unsavoury scenes on Friday, releasing a statement which read: "UEFA regrets the skirmishes that occurred in Marseille yesterday. We are confident that the safety of travelling fans will be ensured by the local authorities which are responsible for order in the city.

"We make an appeal to all fans to behave respectfully throughout the tournament."

England supporters have gathered in Marseille for the Three Lions' opening Euro 2016 game against Russia on Saturday.