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Fans clash ahead of World Cup tie | Fans clash ahead of World Cup tie |
(10 minutes later) | |
Play at a World Cup qualifier in Belfast had to be suspended for five minutes after a linesman was hit with a small object thrown from the crowd. | Play at a World Cup qualifier in Belfast had to be suspended for five minutes after a linesman was hit with a small object thrown from the crowd. |
Before the game, riot police had to separate Northern Irish and Polish fans outside the football ground. Fireworks, bricks and bottles were thrown. | |
Earlier, nine people were arrested following trouble at a pub on Bedford Street in the city centre. | Earlier, nine people were arrested following trouble at a pub on Bedford Street in the city centre. |
The pub has closed, considerable damage having been caused. | The pub has closed, considerable damage having been caused. |
Clashes broke out between fans along the route to the match | Clashes broke out between fans along the route to the match |
Police said the majority of those arrested were Polish. | Police said the majority of those arrested were Polish. |
It is understood that several people have been injured during the disturbances. | It is understood that several people have been injured during the disturbances. |
A spokesman for Wetherspoons said he understood the trouble at its premises started following an "altercation between a Polish fan and a local". | A spokesman for Wetherspoons said he understood the trouble at its premises started following an "altercation between a Polish fan and a local". |
He estimated that the damage caused could run into thousands of pounds. | He estimated that the damage caused could run into thousands of pounds. |
The game at Windsor Park started at 1715 GMT. Reports from inside the ground said the crowd is calm, but tense. |