Riot: Legal action ruled out against Millwall

British police will not be taking legal action against Millwall Football Club following a riot by hooligans six months ago.

In what would have been an unprecedented move, the Metropolitan Police had been considering suing the club over violence which erupted following their Division One play-off defeat to Birmingham City six months ago.

The incidents were among the worst in recent years in English football, with nearly 1,000 hooligans throwing bricks, bottles, flares and paving stones at police.

Nearly 50 police officers and 26 horses were injured.

Supporters from six Nationwide League first division clubs were banned from attending away matches at Millwall this season in an effort to prevent a repetition of the violence on May 2.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman says: "We have been impressed with the steps taken so far by the club and its investment in technology which has dramatically reduced problems and anti-social behaviour.

"To date this season, only three football-related arrests of Millwall supporters have taken place at all matches, home and away."

The spokesman adds: "In light of the efforts made and a donation to a charity helping injured police officers, the Met has decided not to pursue legal action against Millwall FC in relation to the disorder."

The prospect of legal action by the police raised the issue of whether a football club could successfully be held responsible for something that occurred outside its ground and probably involved some people who did not attend the match.