German police arrest 59 PSG 'hooligans' in order to prevent 'serious riots' ahead of Champions League clash with Stuttgart

French side PSG are in Stuttgart on Wednesday night for a final Champions League league phase fixture. Ahead of the game, it's been confirmed that dozens of visiting fans have been detained, according to BBC Sport. German police confirmed "targeted checks" have been carried out after they learned clashes had been planned between the two sets of supporters.

The police said in a statement: "Through intensive investigations and in close cooperation with the Paris police, the French hooligans were found at the main train station and at various hotels in Stuttgart. Among other things, masking material was discovered. In order to prevent serious riots until the end of the Champions League match on Wednesday, the Paris hooligans were taken into custody until Thursday morning, after consultation with a judge."

Police have also issued 47 Stuttgart fans with banning orders, meaning they cannot attend the match or even enter the city centre. Carsten Hoefler, the vice president of Stuttgart Police, issued a warning to supporters ahead of the game: "Anyone who travels to Stuttgart to commit violent crimes off the pitch will be taken out of the game."

The two teams face off at the MHP Arena with both still hoping to qualify for the next phase of the expanded tournament. Both PSG and Stuttgart have 10 points after seven games played and a win for either would confirm a play-off spot.