FA Cup: Cardiff fans mar FA Cup win

Cardiff City’s surprise FA Cup win against Leeds United was marred tonight by a pitch invasion and violence against rival fans.

City fans surged on to the pitch at the climax of Cardiff’s 2-1 win at Ninian Park as Leeds United supporters were leaving the ground.

The match referee and a linesman were hit as more than 1,000 Cardiff fans pelted Leeds United supporters with coins and bottles.

Four people were arrested for public disorder offences as a result of violence at the FA Cup third round tie which attracted a crowd of 21,000.

A woman Leeds United supporter received head injuries as a result of an incident during the game, but did not need treatment.

A South Wales Police spokesman said the match referee and linesman had both complained after the tie at being hit by objects.

‘‘After the game Cardiff supporters made their way onto the pitch to celebrate their win,’’ a police spokesman said.

‘‘As a result, police with dogs made a sweep in order to clear them from the pitch. There were probably more than 1,000 fans on the pitch in total.

‘‘We made four arrests, all for public disorder offences and all local people.

‘‘We also received complaints from the referee and linesman about being hit by objects.

‘‘We said we would not tolerate violence or disorder beforehand and we acted as soon as there was any sign of it.’’