THE behaviour of Middlesbrough fans has been praised by police, despite outbreaks of violence during the club's match in Switzerland this week.

A 21-year-old Teesside man was last night still in custody after a steward at the St Jakob Park stadium, in Basle, was left with serious head injuries following a half-time disturbance during Boro's Uefa Cup match in the city.

Initially, stewards rushed in to keep the fans apart, but they were replaced by riot police who used pepper spray to separate to hooligans.

The unnamed fan being held by the Swiss police is believed to be from the Port Clarence area, near Middlesbrough.

More than 1,200 supporters flew out to watch their team's 2-0 quarter-final first leg defeat against Basle on Thursday, with the majority enjoying a trouble-free experience.

The club's image, however, was tarnished when a small group of fans crossed a concourse to confront opposition supporters after Boro conceded two goals in three minutes shortly before the interval.

A number of fans had to be treated for the effects of the pepper spray following the short outbreak of fighting.

Rob Nichols, editor of Boro fanzine Fly Me To The Moon, believes the handling of the travelling supporters helped prevent a repeat of the fans' nightmare trip to Rome.

He said: "We could make our own way to the ground and we didn't just get left in the middle of nowhere after the game - so that was a big improvement.

"I didn't actually see any of the trouble at half-time but it is disappointing for the club."

Boro fan and chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, Councillor Dave McLuckie, said: "My thoughts are with the family of the steward who was critically injured.

"I think the policing of the game was a stark contrast to the events in Rome.

"The police were having a bit of a laugh with the fans and there was a jovial atmosphere throughout the day.

"I was saddened by the events at half-time, but the travelling fans showed great restraint despite provocation by the home fans who were continuously throwing drinks at them."

Superintendent Steve Swales, who attended the match on behalf of Cleveland Police, said: "This incident marred what was a peaceful trip.

"A post-incident inquiry is being conducted both in Switzerland and by Cleveland Police."

Earlier this month, three Boro fans were stabbed and at least ten others injured ahead of Middlesbrough's UEFA Cup clash against AS Roma in the Italian capital.