Two English fans injured in fighting in Athens

ATHENS, May 23 (Reuters) Two Britons were injured and taken to hospital early today after fights broke out among Liverpool fans in central Athens ahead of the Champions League final against AC Milan, police said.

One man was hit on the head and back after a group of some 50 English fans fought over a single ticket for today's final, police said. Another sustained head and chest injuries during a row between 100 drunken fans.

''Both of the men are now in hospital and they have told nursing staff what happened,'' a police official told Reuters. ''Their injuries are not serious.'' He said officers had gone to the Evangelismos hospital to question the injured men.

More than 50,000 Italian and English fans have arrived in Athens for the final, many of them without tickets.

Black-market prices have soared to more than 6,727 dollars for a ticket.

REUTERS BJR BST1447