The main rivals to Ireland and Scotland's bid to host the European Championships in 2008 were dealt "a major blow" after rioting by Austrian fans at the weekend.

A Senior Scottish Nationalist MP, Angus Robertson - who is the the SNP's foreign affairs spokesman - said violence at the friendly between Rapid Vienna and Arsenal proved Austria had a "policing and hooligan problem".

The match in Eisenstadt had to be abandoned with 20 minutes left when Rapid fans clashed with police and the players were forced to take cover.

Robertson said he believed UEFA would take account of Saturday night's events when deciding who will win the race to stage Euro 2008.

"I have no doubt this is a major blow to the bid by Austria and Switzerland for the 2008 European championships," he said.

"Despite the fact the majority of Austrian and Swiss football fans are overwhelmingly non-violent, this incident has underscored a policing and hooligan problem in Austria.

"This is a problem for Austrian football and I'm certain UEFA will take it into consideration when assessing the joint Austrian-Swiss bid. This also shows how important it is for Scottish and Irish fans to maintain their outstanding record of friendly and non-violent behaviour."

The trouble broke out when local fans fired rockets on to the field and, as police moved in to stop them, bottles and seats were hurled at them.

"These people are not Rapid fans," Rapid Vienna's president Rudolf Edlinger said.

Arsenal are prepared to continue their pre-season tour of Austria after receiving assurances over security. Arsene Wenger feared for the safety of his players after Saturday night's game.

The Arsenal manager insisted he would call for the squad to return to London if his concerns were not allayed.

However, the club revealed yesterday they had received a satisfactory response from their hosts over safety matters as they prepare for games against Roma and Panathinaikos on Thursday, before meeting 1860 Munich on Saturday.

"I was concerned from the moment we came into the ground," Wenger said. "I sensed this was an extremely hostile atmosphere and the lack of security was extremely worrying.

"There appeared to be no protection for the players of each side, people could just wander around the place with no restrictions."

There was, at least, some positive news from Arsenal following the announcement they had completed the signing of Brazilian World Cup winner Gilberto Silva from Atletico Mineiro, subject to a work permit.

The 25-year-old midfielder has signed a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £4.5 million.

And Wenger revealed he would not be looking to further strengthen his squad following the £2.1 million arrival of French defender Pascal Cygan and Uruguay goalkeeper Fabian Carini on a season's loan.

"We won't move for anyone else now," he said.

"I have achieved what I wanted over the summer and I think the squad is even better than last year.

"We expect a tough challenge, but that's what we relish. We are up for it and we want to do it again."