Cars damaged as soccer fans clash in Belfast

Rival football fans clashed outside a Belfast football ground tonight after their teams played out a 2-2 draw.

Supporters of east Belfast team Glentoran and visitors Portadown hurled stones at each other outside the Oval ground in the east of the city after the Irish Cup match.

Car windscreens were smashed and bodywork damaged during a brief running battle.

The Police Service said they were swiftly on the scene, quelled the violence and saw Portadown fans safely out of the area in cars and coaches.

A spokeswoman said there were no arrests and no reported injuries.

A Portadown supporter, who attended the march with his two sons, said: “We were leaving and I saw everyone starting to run and then, just as we went to get into the car, the two sets of fans started running at each other, throwing stones, bottles and anything they could get their hands on.

“It was very, very frightening and completely spoilt the day for us. I saw cars windscreens put out – it was a real disgrace.”