Albion fans were locked in bars amid clashes on the streets of Marseille last night.

Fans arrived in the South of France yesterday ahead of Brighton’s first-ever European away match tonight.

Videos emerged online of clashes between people on the streets, while Brighton fans at one bar were kept inside while metal shutters were brought down.

Another fan who went to F Pub, a bar 300 metres from today’s designated Albion fan zone, said French police blocked off both ends of the street to stop trouble from arising.

French publications reported tear gas being used by French police to disperse crowds, while another video showed a firework being let off by someone.

He said: “Last night was good but ended a bit sourly and abruptly because of a few idiots. It’s a really nice place Marseille, it’s a shame about the reputation it has got because it’s a lovely place still.

“One French guy on his moped received a gesture from an older Brighton fan. The French guy said to him ‘If you want to fight I will bring the mob’.

“Loads of people left the bar, lots of people said ‘stay in numbers’. The mob never came, the guy that swore at the French person left after causing the issue.

“It was all good after that, we watched the Newcastle PSG game. Everyone was singing outside the pub.

"I think that provoked the Marseille fans to come. From what I saw on someone’s Snapchat video up the road, the police had blocked two of the lanes leading to F Pub so we were protected by them.

“The bar was meant to close at 1am but it closed at 11pm. We had to leave because of the noise and some Marseille fans looking for fights. We saw tear gas on social media.

“We only saw some tear gas, we didn’t see any fighting.”

French publication La Provence reports fighting in Cours Julien which is two kilometres from Place de La Joliette. No injuries or arrests were reported.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Sussex Police can confirm our dedicated football officer PC Darren Balkham is in Marseille and working alongside our French counterparts.”

The French Police have been approached for comment.