Paisley Jr slams 'sectarian' Celtic fans

The DUP's Ian Paisley Jr has attacked the "sectarian triumphalism" that led to 12 RUC officers being injured in a pub in Co. Antrim last night.

A group of Celtic supporters attacked the officers after they tried to prevent them from hoisting a tricolour in the Grouse Inn in Ballymena.

One officer was hospitalised with serious head injuries and another had his leg broken in three places.

More than 100 Celtic supporters threw bottles and glasses at the RUC during the riot.

Mr Paisley Jr, who represents Ballymena, said the fans knew their actions would stir tensions in the mainly Protestant town.

"It's absolutely contemptible that people would engage in what is clearly sectarian triumphalism, which they knew would cause trouble," he said.

"I hope that the manager of Celtic will condemn this sort of divisive action by people claiming to be supporters."

Six people were arrested after the riot and the RUC is still seeking another man in connection with a serious assault on a police officer.