Northern Ireland fans 'beaten by Slovakian bouncers'

Two Northern Ireland football fans were taken to hospital tonight after trouble flared in Slovakia before tomorrow’s match between the two countries.

The British Embassy said there had been an incident in a bar in Bratislava.

Supporters claim they were attacked by a group of local men, believed to door staff, after they took exception to them singing.

Chief Executive of the Irish Football Association Howard Wells said he was deeply concerned about the alleged incident.

“From what I can gather this was an unprovoked attack,” he said.

Spokesman for the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs Gary McAllister said the fans had taken a bad beating.

“They were beaten with what appears to have been cudgels or batons,” he said.

“This is very disappointing incident, especially as in the rest of the city fans and locals are getting on so well.”

A spokesman for the British Embassy said Slovakian police were investigating the incident.