The Serbian police said on Thursday that a mass fight between rival groups of football supporters had been broken up the previous night.

The Serbian state TV (RTS) reported that about 40 young men took part in the fight over the painting of graffiti in New Belgrade. Several of the boys and young men, the youngest among them aged just 12, were taken to hospital, one with life-threatening injuries. The RTS said that some of the boys and young men were wearing face masks.

A strong police presence was reported at the scene. The police press release said that several parked cars were damaged.

Rival football supporter groups have clashed frequently in Belgrade in the past. Those groups are alleged to have strong links to organized crime.