Washington, May 28 (IANS): Clashes erupted in US' San Diego city on Friday night hours after Republican Party's likely presidential nominee Donald Trump held a rally.

At least three people were arrested after protesters and Trump supporters engaged in fistfights, shouting matches and hurled water bottles and eggs despite police efforts to keep them separated, Politico reported.

The anti-Trump protesters, a group of about 7,000 people, outnumbered the Trump supporters who saw fit to engage them as they left the San Diego Convention Centre downtown following Trump's rally.

A circle of protesters cheered loudly as they surrounded a man holding up a red "Make America Great Again" hat as he used a cigarette lighter to set it aflame.

"F--- Trump! F--- Trump!" they roared.

"Go home! Go home!" answered the Trump supporters.

Even as there was no room to move, police officers continued to push protesters and reporters, with some toppling over in the fray. Police pepper-sprayed several protesters, CNN reported.

In a message to the San Diego Police Department, Trump applauded the officers' response to the protesters.

"Fantastic job on handling the thugs who tried to disrupt our very peaceful and well attended rally," Trump tweeted. "Greatly appreciated."