A DUTCHMAN has admitted fatally stabbing a North-East football fan and seriously injuring his friend, it was reported last night.

The 42-year-old is being questioned over the death of Brendan O'Connor and the stabbing of Howard Boville outside an Amsterdam bar.

Dutch police said the suspect was a repeat offender but a spokeswoman could not confirm reports by Dutch broadcaster NOS that he had confessed.

Meanwhile, Cleveland Police say it is crucial they trace up to 20 Middlesbrough fans who were in Bar Pinockio where Mr O'Connor was drinking moments before he was stabbed to death.

The 36-year-old Durham University graduate died from a single stab wound in a nearby alley while friend Howard Boville, 38, from Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, was stabbed twice. His condition is not thought to be life threatening.

Last night, friends of married Mr O'Connor, a quality control worker for oil company BP, described him as a peaceful man.

The pair flew to Holland with two other friends to watch Boro's Uefa Cup tie against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday. Unable to buy tickets, they spent the evening in Bar Pinockio, in Amsterdam city centre.

Both Mr O'Connor, a life-long Boro fan, and Mr Boville, a manager with BT, followed a Dutch national out of the bar in the early hours of Friday when there was an argument.

Witnesses said the suspect became offended by their refusal to buy drugs from him, according to Dutch media reports last night.

Dutch police have suggested that Mr Boville was injured as he lunged in front of his friend in a desperate attempt to save him.

A 42-year-old black man, a Dutch national, was later arrested. He was described as muscular, shaven-headed, and wearing a distinctive blue anorak with a VW car logo on the back.

Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Braithwaite, head of crime and operations with Cleveland Police, said: "It is my understanding that there were around 20 Middlesbrough supporters in the bar, and it is crucial that we trace all those that were inside."

Music lover Mr O'Connor, who has performed on stage with cult pop group The Beta Band, came from Middlesbrough but moved to London in 1989, after graduating from Durham University with a degree in literature.

He lived in the Chalk Farm area of north London, with his wife of seven years, Tanya, who is a headteacher.

Last night, his best friend, David Halliwell, 33, from Camden, north London, said: "This was a callous act and he had never had a fight in his life.

"There are people in life who are genuinely nice - people often say that - but Brendan was. He ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Brendan never took drugs, ever."

Another friend, James Hughes, 28, said: "Brendan was really happy. He was a real home boy. He was happy with his life, his wife and the world."

Anyone who can help the police is asked to call (01642) 301333.