Police and fans injured in riot after Belfast football match

Police in Belfast were yesterday trying to identify the football hooligans who surged on to the pitch and rioted at the end of…

Police in Belfast were yesterday trying to identify the football hooligans who surged on to the pitch and rioted at the end of an Irish League match.

One man was arrested and charged, but detectives are anxious to bring more of the dozens involved in the clashes at the end of one of the biggest games of the season, Linfield versus Glentoran, to justice.

Several police officers as well as rival fans were injured when the supporters of the two teams hurled missiles at each other at the Oval ground in east Belfast after the game on Saturday.

Police said yesterday one man had been charged with disorderly behaviour and assaulting police and had been bailed to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court.

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A spokesman said officers were reviewing the circumstances of the trouble and would be working with the clubs and other members of the community to prevent repeat violence at future matches.

Northern Ireland Football Association's chief executive Howard Wells said he was asking for a report from the clubs on what pre-match preparations had been made considering a large crowd had been expected. "It's just unacceptable to all people . . . A few mindless idiots spoiled it for everybody else."

Police came under attack in central Belfast yesterday when they moved in to stop a clash between Rangers and Celtic fans.

One officer was injured in the leg and three police vehicles damaged when stones and bottles were thrown at them.

A crowd of around 60 youths who had been stoning each other at the junction of Ormeau Avenue and Cromac Street turned on the police when they responded to stop the trouble.