Linfield fans arrested at Setanta Cup match

Four Linfield football fans were arrested tonight after minor scuffles broke at the start of a cup match in Dublin.

Trouble flared as several hundred supporters from Belfast arrived at St Patrick’s Athletic’s ground in the west of the city.

Garda dog units, mounted officers and several dozen gardaí quickly brought the disturbances under control.

The four men, including one who suffered a bloody nose, were ejected from Richmond Park in the Inchicore area after scuffles broke out as fans were being searched.

It is understood the men will be held overnight.

The trouble follows horrific street fights in Belfast city centre following a match between Linfield and Cliftonville at the end of March.

Up to 40 men in Linfield tops attempted to storm a bar and in attacks which followed one man had his throat slashed.

Linfield were in Dublin for the latest round of the Setanta Sports Cup against St Pat’s.