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Kicking off

Spurs and Arsenal fans clash ahead of North London derby before police intervene

Chairs and flares thrown as Spurs and Gunners supporters face off outside White Hart Lane

Mounted police were forced to restore order after Spurs and Arsenal fans clashed before the North London derby.

Chairs were thrown and flares let off as rival groups squared up to each other outside White Hart Lane.

Chairs were thrown as tempers boiled over between rival Tottenham and Arsenal fans

Reuters
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Chairs were thrown as tempers boiled over between rival Spurs and Arsenal fans

Supporters clashed outside White Hart Lane ahead of the North London derby

Reuters
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Supporters clashed outside White Hart Lane ahead of the North London derby

A strong police presence was in place in an effort to keep Spurs and Gunners supporters apart on the way to the stadium.

But there were still several flashpoints as tempers boiled over ahead of the crucial Premier League game between the two bitter rivals.

Supporters row ahead of kick-off around White Hart Lane

Reuters
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Supporters row ahead of kick-off around White Hart Lane

Police were supported by mounted units as they moved in to keep the peace

Reuters
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Police were supported by mounted units as they moved in to keep the peace

Arsenal fans lit red flares to stain the sky with their club colours

Reuters
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Arsenal fans lit red flares to stain the sky with their club colours

Scores of officers were forced to intervene before mounted police came in to help restore order in the streets around thew ground.

A huge security operation had been planned in the build-up to the game, with so much riding on the outcome for both clubs.

Spurs are chasing Chelsea in the hope they can win the Premier League for the first time.

Spurs and Arsenal fans always make the derby an emotional affair in north London

Reuters
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Spurs and Arsenal fans always make the derby an emotional affair in north London

While Arsenal are desperately trying to climb their way back into the top four to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.

Tensions ran high

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Tensions ran high

Mounted police eventually separated the rivals fans

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Mounted police eventually separated the rivals fans

The game has taken on extra importance, too, because it is the last north London derby to be played at White Hart Lane.

Tottenham moved out of their stadium this summer for a short-term stay at Wembley while they continue building work on their brand new stadium.