Wales and Russia are competing for a place in Euro 2004

Russian news agencies have said a group of Wales fans were confronted by around 400 Russians on Nikolskaya Street near the Kremlin in Moscow in the hours before the game.

Police arrested 10 Russian hooligans in the incident.

"Up to 400 Russian football fans started throwing fire-crackers at a group of foreigners," said Moscow police spokesman Kirill Mazurin.

"The incident took place at about 1600 local time (1300 GMT).

"Some hooligans lit fireworks and hurled bottles."

A spokesman for the Welsh Football Association (FAW) said it appeared that "there was a problem in Red Square when Russian fans turned up and lobbed flares at Welsh fans"

"They (the Russians) were looking to provoke a fight which the Welsh fans shied away from," said Ceri Stennett.

Scoreless draw

Additional police officers, and riot police, were called to the scene.

"The police dispersed the crowd into small groups and the fans and accompanying officers have been sent in the direction of the nearest metro station," said Mr Mazurin.

Although Mr Mazurin said there were no reports of casualties, the ITAR-Tass news agency reported eight bruised fans were taken back to their hotel.

In the match, Wales and Russia drew 0-0, as they compete for a place in the Euro 2004 championships, which will be held in Portugal.

The second leg of the tie will take place in Cardiff on Wednesday night.